12 Years A Slave

“I want to live.”

I’m not sure 12 Years A Slave tells me anything that I didn’t know about slavery in the U.S., but it quite a stunning experience to see it. This film is difficult to watch — and impossible to turn away from.

Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Solomon Northup, a New York State citizen who was kidnapped and made to work on a plantation in New Orleans in the 1800’s. It’s a true story that is based on Northup's memoir. The fearless Michael Fassbender plays one of his many owners.

Director Steve McQueen (Shame) is most successful with his long, unbroken shots that bring us into slavery more than previous movies ever have.

12 Years A Slave shows us both beautiful moss and bodies hanging from the trees, and intelligently showcases the hypocrisies of the time. It’s quite an achievement.

Simply put: One of the most engaging films of the year. 

Award potential: This is the kind of film that merits accolades. Expect nominations and front-runner status for Best Picture, Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Music Score and the list goes on. 

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks.