Don't bother buying popcorn for this one

Rating: Null/10 (2 December 2013)

You literally will not have the stomach for it.
The 99 year copyright for the book has expired, which means it is available for free online. Please read the book before watching. As hard as the book is to read, "12 years" portrays the harshness of slavery even more strongly. Eliza, Patsy so many many victims. Chiwitel Ejiofor is beyond brilliant in the way he brings the character of Solomon Northrup to life.
There are so many scenes in the movie that stay with you. For me, it is the look in the eyes of a couple of slaves before they die. Breathtaking scenery, a deep all encompassing sadness at the sheer waste of human life.
So few books are available about the lives of slaves written by slaves. Harsh as it is (as any movie that accurately depicts slavery would be), this movie is a genuine treat to watch.