The answer to the question of whether there are any slavery movies on Netflix is a resounding yes. A wide variety of films dealing with the topic of slavery are available to stream on Netflix, from classic films to modern day blockbusters.
One of the best known movies related to slavery is 12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen and released in 2013. This powerful and moving film tells the story of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars in the lead role and gives an acclaimed performance as Northup, who struggles to survive under barbaric conditions while trying to maintain his dignity and hope.
Another well-known movie that deals with the issue of slavery is Django Unchained, directed by Quentin Tarantino and released in 2012. This controversial film follows Django (Jamie Foxx), a freed slave who embarks on a quest for revenge against his former captors. The movie features some intense scenes of violence and has been criticized for its depiction of race relations, but it has also been praised for its strong performances and its creative use of humor.
Roots, released in 2016, is a remake of the classic 1977 miniseries that was based on Alex Haley’s novel about his ancestors’ struggle against enslavement. The new version stars Malachi Kirby as Kunta Kinte, an African warrior captured and enslaved in the United States during colonial times. This gripping historical drama tells Kinte’s story over several generations, showing how his family perseveres despite their horrific circumstances.
A Mighty Heart, directed by Michael Winterbottom and released in 2007, is based on Mariane Pearl’s memoir about her husband Daniel Pearl’s kidnapping by terrorists in Pakistan. While not explicitly about slavery, this film explores themes related to freedom and oppression through Pearl’s experience as he is held captive against his will.
Belle, directed by Amma Asante and released in 2013, is based on a true story about an 18th century mixed-race woman who was born out of an illegitimate relationship between an aristocrat father (Tom Wilkinson) and an enslaved African mother (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). Belle fights against both racial injustice and sexism while trying to find her place in society.
The Birth Of A Nation, directed by Nate Parker and released in 2016, tells the story of Nat Turner (Nate Parker), an enslaved African American preacher who leads a slave rebellion against white slave owners in Virginia during the early 19th century. While it garnered critical acclaim upon its release, it has since been overshadowed by debates surrounding Parker’s past legal troubles.
Conclusion:
From classics like 12 Years A Slave to modern blockbusters like Django Unchained, Netflix offers a range of powerful films that explore different aspects of slavery throughout history. Whether you’re looking for an inspiring drama or an intense action movie about freedom fighters, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your tastes on Netflix.