A masterpiece!

Rating: 8/10 (10 January 2014)

Perhaps, Masterpiece is the appropriate term to refers to this film. A work of art that may, and must be remembered in the next years. It has the touch of a talented director and a touching, detailed script and also a great soundtrack (always with Hans Zimmer) and an exceptional cast. Some films have all these things but the result is exactly the opposite: a big disappointment.
In fact, a film that has all these resources end being either a masterpiece or a disappointment. But this one you can be sure it's a masterpiece. The term sounds too pompous, I know, but I don't care. The film is what it is, and shall not be referred as anything lower. Obviously, you want to know what is so great about it, and I offered the key words, and without spoilers I'll explain why.
The script don't has that much of a deeper meaning or what's ever, but it is as strong as anything else. It has a simple message, that it's delivered in a powerful way. Surmount and faith. It explains a bit the slaves mentality in the age, and there is a line in the film that explain it all – of course not going to spoil it; all I can say is that is a great one liner – that would sound cliché under other circumstances, but not in the film – why? – well, the difference is it's about real life here, fellas.
The life of the protagonist, Salomon(masterfully interpreted by Chiwetel Ejiofor), it's really touching. And what it's most impressive about the story is how many details is put on it. It's even difficult to follow sometimes every single detail, but this is improved in re-watches. Faces expressions, the sounds of the insects, the breeze in the grass, the slaves cutting the reed, the sun radiating against the trees...everything is shown in details. You can even feel the land. The art direction is used carefully. The acting in general, indeed excellent. Top performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor, which literally brought Solomon to life, and brilliant in the over dramatic scenes; Michael Fassbender, that was perfect as the cold, harmless and somewhat coward villain; and Lupita Nyong'o, though she was one of the weakest in the cast, but her performance was good anyways. Also excellent were Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano and the always excellent no matter what, Paul Giamatti. It no matter if it will win the Oscars or not it's already the best film of the year, and one of the best of this century, and also of all times. No kidding. Watch that film. 10/10