Beasts of the Southern Wild

The Oscar for best film of the year went to Argo in 2012. Although Argo is a highly respectable production, I truly believe it was not the best film of the year. After watching all the films nominated, I came to the conclusion that Beasts of the Southern Wild was truly the best film in the running. After watching the movie,  I was very impressed by the storyline, acting, and cinematography done by all who was involved. To this day, it is one of my favorite films.

Beasts of the Southern Wild is an American fantasy drama film directed by Benh Aeitlin. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards including, Best Picture, Best Director (Benh Zeitlin), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actress (Quvenzhané Wallis). At age 9, Wallis became the youngest Best Actress nominee in history. The film  is magnificent because of the incredible performance done by Wallis. Viewers did more than watch her performance, they felt it.

The film takes place in the Louisiana bayou community, the "Bathtub",  that is cut off from the rest of the world by a levee. Without healthy living conditions and technology, this town is completely different from a typical present day community. Rather than living a life that is run by technology, processed foods, and unnatural medicine, the citizens of the Bathtub thrive off of nature. Each individual residing in the establishment worships the  land and the resources it produces.  The story focuses  a six-year-old, Hushpuppy (Quvenzhané Wallis),  and her unhealthy abusive father, Wink (Dwight Henry) who both happily live in the Bathtub. Although they live under terrible living conditions, Hushpuppy and Wink are hopeful and truly inspiring as nature tests their capabilities.

Due to Wink's serious health condition,  he attempts to prepare his daughter for survival after he is gone. Unfortunately, he uses abuse and abandonment to help her develop these skills.  Little Hushpuppy  is basically forced to live on her own as Wink constantly disappears and separates himself from her. In addition to her father's illness and constant angry episodes, Hushpuppy is also faced with countless life threatening obstacles. This six year old girl must overcome many trials in order to find her mother, save "The Bathtub", and defeat the prehistoric beasts that have been unleashed by the melting ice caps. Quvenzhané Wallis brings this character to life. Although Wallis was only six when the film was shot, she carries herself like a full grown professional throughout the entire movie.  This film is simply phenomenal and I would highly recommend it to anyone. 

Twelve Years a Slave

Twelve Years a Slave is an emotional film that has the power to change an audience's way of thinking. Americans, particularly, have the tendency to take their freedoms for granted. After viewing this film, one can only focus on the fact that freedom was not always given to all people. Twelve Years a Slave is a heart wrenching film that reveals the true story of Soloman Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor).  Soloman was born a free man in Minerva, New York, in 1808. Although Soloman was an African American during a time of active slavery, his freedom allowed him to become an extremely talented, literate, well respected man in his town. Soloman lived in New York with his family who were all legally free. Soloman, his wife, and his children almost seemed out of place to various people in passing because they roamed the streets freely while countless African Americans were enslaved around them. Soloman faces an appalling obstacle when he leaves his neighborhood for a business trip. During this time he is captured, brutally beaten, and sold as a slave. The film essentially focuses on Soloman's horrifying experiences as he battles the vile hardships of slavery and attempts to break free.

Twelve Years a Slave displays various aspects that make it a highly likeable choice for an Oscar nominee. The acting is fierce to the point where almost every emotion is transferred into the audience. In addition, the cinematography is breathtaking and accurately captures the horrors of slavery with creativity. The story also reveals the truths of slavery and institutionalized injustice in America at the time. Although the violence and harsh brutality is hard to watch, this film tells an unforgettable story. Twelve Years a Slave is an undeniably incredible masterpiece of 2013.