12 Years a Slave

Films based on true stories about a particular person(s) are typically well acted and written, especially when they are about a person that's not as well known as with most biopics. I believe this happens, because we can see this actor as more of a real person than when the actor is portraying a better known character. "12 Years a Slave" is certainly one of those films.

Based on the incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom, in the pre-Civil War United States, 1841 to be exact, Solomon Northrup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery in the south. Facing horrid cruelty, personified by a malevolent slave owner, Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses by former slave owner, Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch) and others, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist, Bass (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

Others to round out the cast are Paul Dano as Tibeats, Paul Giamatti as Freeman, Sarah Paulson as Mistress Epps, Lupita Nyong'o as Patsy, Alfre Woodard as Mistress Shaw, Michael Kenneth Williams as Robert, Scoot McNairy as Brown, Garret Dillahunt as Armsby, Dwight Henry as Uncle Abram, Kelsey Scott as Anne Northrup, Quvenzhane Wallis as Adult Margaret Northrup, Taran Killam as Hamilton, Christopher Berry as Burch, Tony Bentley as Mr. Moon, and Chris Chalk as Ray Clemens.

This was brilliantly and passionately directed by Steve McQueen ("Hunger" '08, "Shame" '11). Where did this guy come from? He has notoriety, but considering his minimal experience, the quality was as if a veteran director helmed this. McQueen will go far. It was written by John Ridley based on "Twelve Years a Slave" by Solomon Northrup. He wrote this in 1853. How he was even able to survive this ordeal was a miracle in and of itself, because this story was sobering and humbling. Another 'star' in this was the cinematographer, Sean Bobbitt, bsc.("Lawless Heart" '01, "Summer Things" '02, "Cargo" '06, "The Baker" '07, "Mrs. Ratcliffe's Revolution" '07, "Hunger" '08, "Africa United" '10, "Shame" '11, "Hysteria" '11, "Everyday" '12, "The Place Beyond the Pines" '12, "Byzantium" '12 and the upcoming "Oldboy" '13). The crispness of the lights and darks presented here really captured the intensity of a given scene. This film has Oscar nods written all over it.

This is a difficult film to watch, because it reminds us, in graphic detail, the horrors of that particular part of our past. What is conveyed here gives a whole new meaning of the phrase, "land of the free and the home of the brave", but one that is sorely needed to be seen time and again to remind us that ALL is free, not just a select few.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                            Rated:R                          134mins.