'12 Years a Slave' is a powerful story with great historical material and importance!

Rating: Null/10 (3 June 2014)

When looking back at America's disturbing past of holding slavery to be righteous, you become moved by films like this. '12 Years a Slave' is a strong story about Solomon Northup, a once violinist from New York turned slave in the south. The film shows how he went from kidnapped to sold to moved in a powerful and sickening way. Chiwetel Ejofer plays Solomon excellently, delivery strong emotions and fear. As the film progresses you get to observe just how hard being a slave truly is, and Chiwitel nails it. Every scene he is full of artistic talent that makes the audience moved into feeling for his character. Michael Fassbender gives the best performance as Edwin Epps, a brutal Louisiana slave master who owns Solomon Northup. The fear he gives to the audiences makes every scene he's in go still and chill. Fassbender's southern accent and yelling scenes along with brutality make his character come to life, and cause a sense of hatred towards his character. Lupita Nyong'o plays Patsy, a physically and emotionally abused slave who is the best at picking cotton. The horrendous things done to poor Patsy are sickening and show you how slaves were treated ion a very vivid and graphic manner. This is a film that should be shown in schools while learning about American history due to the superb historical relevance and accuracy. John Ridley's story is filled with detail that makes you see how slavery was like for the poor slaves. He adds excellent dialogue and chilling scenes that leave you speechless and moved. Steve Mcqueen's directing is outstanding as he captures spectacular footage about the hardships of slavery in the 1800's. The other film aspects such as costume and production design, editing, cinematography and score put together the powerful puzzle and bring you a strong film that will hit hard and hopefully make you feel lucky to be free.