" The Suffering inflicted on the body, is slight compared to the scars left on the Soul "

Rating: 10/10 (5 March 2014)

From the deeply painful and agonizing pages of his own life's story, comes this gripping tale written first hand by author Solomon Northup and directed adroitly by Steven R. MCQueen. His memories reveal what took place 1n 1841. The place was Saratoga, New York and Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is making a living playing his violin and enjoying his life with his wife and family when he is tricked into believing he can earn more money if he will accept some temporary musical employment in upstate New York. The ruse results in his being abducted and sold into Slavery. Once in chains, he is drugged, manacled and whipped into submission, then thrown into a dark prison cell. Once in bondage, he decides to accept his fate until he can find some way to extricate from the chains of captivity. The movie itself is a frightening and terrifying expose on what Black Americans had to endure during their years of punishing captivity. For the audience, one has to refrain from displaying an immediate reaction to the torturous and barbaric scenes in the film. The cast which includes Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt (In a cameo Role) and the incredible script left me stunned watching the painful legacy of our own history. Mr. McQueen wore a tapestry of both sorrow and triumph with the autobiography penned by Solomon Northup himself. It's little wonder why the movie has garnered so many accolades, awards and prestigious honors across the country. A hardy 'Well-Done' is called for upon seeing this masterful work of art. Recommended to all those who wish to see a Classic in visual form. ****