Such an important film - - some SPOILERS

Rating: 9/10 (10 January 2014)

So I was put off with tales of uncomfortable violence. I wanted to watch but was dreading the experience and thinking I could avoid or delay. In the end I decided I would hide my eyes when I didn't want to look. I am squeamish and looked away only once and briefly.
This is an excellently crafted film and so important. Steve McQueen is to be commended for his craft for he has created on screen a story both beautiful and terrible.
Yes there is violence and things that will make you uncomfortable but I really am not sure how you watch a tale of slavery without feeling some discomfort.
I think some people may have traded their misplaced guilt or shame for discomfort with violence.
The performances are some of the best I've seen on screen for the longest time. Nupita Nyong'o particularly is outstanding a Patsey a slave girl who receives the unwanted and obsessive attentions of a mentally ill master and his wife. Chiwetel performance is quiet but so commanding. Soloman is played with naivety and grace.
Don't be put off by the negative views and tales of violence.They malign the truth of the story and what is actually depicted on screen.
I am so glad that I went to see this important and well made film. Yes we do get to be the voyeurs of a terrible part of our history but it gives us so much more understanding about the way things remain even 400 years and beyond