An incredibly powerful and moving depiction of slavery

Rating: 10/10 (4 January 2014)

12 Years A Slave is a very honest, raw and heartbreaking depiction of Solomon Northup's story. It's something of a continuation of the themes that director Steve McQueen has worked with before, those of cruelty and injustice, but this is his most ambitious film yet.
And it works. This film had me in all directions emotionally, from tears of multiple emotions to total anger. It's a very important film to watch in my opinion, and for me its brilliance lies in the brutally openly told story and in the magnificent performance from all.cast members. A special mention must go to Lupita Nyongo'o, whose performance as the slave Patsy is simply incredible. The fact that this is her first film feature is nothing short of amazing and I sincerely hope she is considered for a supporting actress award.
In it's exploration and brutal portrayal of slavery in America, this film reminds me of Roots. Ultimately I think this is a film everybody should watch to understand the cruelty of Slavery on both a personal and large-scale level, for those born into slavery and those pushed into it.
Overall: 10/10 - Powerful, important and most of all moving.