A harrowing and frighteningly told tale of slavery in the old America.

Rating: 9/10 (12 January 2014)

This film is simply majestic. We have here a tortuous tale based on the book of the true story of a black man cheated and sold into slavery in 19th Century America.
A frightening tale, this film is unflinching in its portrayal of the fear and drudgery of the world of slaves on the deep south, from their trade to their dehumanising work & treatment, and their ultimate death in the case of the majority of them.
You will feel uncomfortable with this film and its subject, but you will remain riveted. We all know about the evils of slavery (or believe we do) but once in a while we need reminded and this film captures that perfectly.
The film avoids silly caricatures, and over dramatisation. Instead it revolves around a strongly written script, some powerful acting and some beautifully shot camera work.
Our leads will little better in the roles they undertake later on in their careers. Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup who we see as the free man enforced into slavery is just immense, whilst Michael Fassbender as one of his slave owners is deliriously insane but believable and frightening. We see a whole set of characters throughout, with many thankfully not resorting to clichés. It truly is wonderful.
I can't recommend this film highly enough. There is little if anything negative to say against this, it is simply a marvel, and all will feel educated and rewarded by a viewing of this harrowing tale.