'We need a sympathetic ear. If we have an opportunity to explain our situation...'

Rating: 7/10 (6 March 2014)

Based on the book by the same name penned by Solomon Northup whose biographical date is important to note: Born a free man in New York, Northup was drugged and kidnapped in Washington, D.C. in 1841 and sold into slavery there. He was soon taken with other slaves by ship to New Orleans and sold into further slavery. He eventually came into contact with a Canadian abolitionist, who was able to notify his family of his whereabouts. In 1853, after the intervention of an official agent of the state of New York, he was freed. He filed charges against his kidnappers but after a long trial, the charges were dropped on legal technicalities and Northup was never compensated for his years in slavery. He orally related his story to a New York legislator, David Wilson, who published it in a book titled '12 Years A Slave.' The book was published less than a year after Northup's freedom and it sold over 30,000 copies. He is believed to have died in 1863. The original book was transformed into a screenplay by Ridley Scott for the Cinematic version directed by Steve McQueen.
The incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom is disturbing to see and is a fine reminder of the horrors of man's inhumanity to man – slavery – that still exists today. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life. The significant polar roles between evil and good are well played by Benedict Cumberbatch, Liza j. Bennet, Sarah Paulson, Lupita Nyong'o, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Alfre Woodard, Garret Dillahunt among a cast of thousands.
The film is overly long, dwells on only the brutality to slaves, and fails to give us background on the most important characters – especially Solomon Northup. It is a very dark song, necessary to remand the world of the crime of slavery, but lacking in moments of light that allow the audience see the history clearly and to make the arc of the story more dramatic. Both Chiwetel Ejiofor ('I don't want to survive. I want to live') and Michael Fassbender are excellent. Grady Harp, March 14