McQueen's poetic justice to the menace of slavery

Rating: 9/10 (6 October 2014)

Arguably the most remarkable movie ever made on the freedom of human soul along with Schindler's List, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and The Shawshank Redemption. If this piece of cinema can not make one respect and value one's freedom more, only actual loss of freedom will. It is hard to watch and harder to ignore.It is unflinching and provocative.
Steve McQueen has surpassed his previous works by miles when it comes to the scope of the theme, story telling, making the audience part of his vision, detailing, replicating costumes, tenor, sensibilities of a period dating more than 150 years back. At times, when he has juxtaposed silence, motion, sound and beauty of nature with the actions of characters/situations in the movie, he reminds you of Terence Malick, just that the message here is equally beautiful yet less ambiguous and more purposeful.McQueen has not for once held himself back and as a result created some absolutely unforgettable scenes and it is impossible for the viewer to not get absorbed by those.
​The casting couldn't have been better. McQueen sticks with Michael Fassbender for the powerhouse character of the movie, the ruthless slave owner. Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch and Brad Pitt are all cast almost perfectly. And with the superlative performance that Mr. Chiwetel Ejiofor has delivered, there is no doubt that we have 3 top contenders for the Oscars with Matthew McConaughey and Leonardo DiCaprio filling the other two spots. It would be completely unfair to not mention the young actor, Lupita Nyong'o for playing probably the most difficult role in the movie.
​The background score is minimalistic but even with limited scope only Hans Zimmer could have communicated the emotions of the scenes as powerfully as they have been depicted through the visual medium.This one is a must for everyone to have in their personal library because you will surely want to watch it again