Strong, compelling film-making, with it's fair share of shocks and surprises

Rating: 10/10 (3 June 2014)

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning
The true life tale of Solomon Northrup (Chweitel Ejiofor), a respectable black member of high society, who nonetheless finds himself thrust in to the world of slavery in 1841, America. The film follows his transfer from the more subdued slave-owner Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch) to the more ferocious, unscrupulous Epps (Michael Fassbender), through to his eventual salvation when he is rescued by those who knew him.
Possibly one of the strongest contenders at the Oscars this year, Brit director Steve McQueen once again brings the historical shame that is slavery to the forefront with this adaptation of the titular character's account of his degeneration from a high position in the world, to his degradation as a servant to the whims of his various twisted masters. Such strong, emotionally driven material is a natural shue-in for the highest honours, and does indeed provide an enthralling production all the way. Rather than having a central protagonist from a poor, impoverished background, this is a shattering highlight of how even an esteemed, respectable black man from those times was prone to being rounded up and forced against his will to serve at his master's feet. If the premise of the story isn't harrowing enough, the film is visually, graphically unflinching also when it comes to depicting the vicious, scarring whippings and beatings the captives were given to keep them in order.
A strong, commanding central performance is a must here, and Ejiofor more than fails to disappoint, in what will probably be one of, if not the most, high profile leading role of his career, with current Brit super talents Cumberbatch and Fassbender in respective roles as Solomon's owners, along with a colourful supporting cast that includes Paul Dano, Brad Pitt and Paul Giamatti in roles that don't get the most screen time, but make no less impact. It's a testament to the human spirit that it's a true life story that has that rarest of real life things, a happy ending, unneeded for a manufactured one to be dreamed up by Hollywood that would probably have produced less of an emotional pay off.
This is still powerful, dynamic film making, charged along with strong performances and a stirring emotional theme. *****