Hauntingly Beautiful.

Rating: 10/10 (3 February 2014)

This is the kind of movie a lot of people have been waiting for. It is about a man who endures great difficulties and bestiality for his freedom and attains it.
The film's confident storytelling is reminiscent of Steve McQueen's earlier works Hunger and Shame(Highly Recommended). McQueen in this film creates a world full of imperfections and desperation and desires which beckons you to look at it and is an enriching cinematic experience.
The score by Hans Zimmer deserves a special mention for perfectly complimenting the visuals and cinematography and also enhance the effect that this film has.
The film has uniformly strong performances by Chitwel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender and Lupita Ny'ong all of which have been nominated for Academy Awards. A special mention for Benedict Cumberbatch who shines in his small yet important role. Paul Dano also makes a strong impression in his understated role.
This film is a must watch for its performances alone and also for the wonderful direction by McQeen and the impression it leaves on you for a long while after the end. McQueen deals with a powerdul subject in his own merciless way and paints a beautiful picture in a complete artistic masterpiece.