Matthew McConaughey gets most of the screen time as a defiant Mississippi farmer who starts his own rebellion against the Confederacy. There are parallel stories about his relationships with several slaves and a flash forward to a racially-charged court battle in the 20th century. A lot’s going on and even with the deliberate pace, it manages to maintain interest. Writer/director Gary Ross has purposely let this sprawling story take place slowly and took advantage of McConaughey’s star power with lots of lingering close-ups. The cast is strong and that helps, but this film is dramatic, solemn and noble…a mighty effort to make important cinema…and it somewhat succeeds. Plus, it’s based on a remarkable true story, which makes it more interesting.
(3.5 / 5)