An emotional & heartbreaking masterpiece.

Rating: 10/10 (3 February 2014)

12 Years a Slave is a biopic about African American, Solomon Northup(Chiwetel Ejiofor) who was a free man in New York, until the day he was forcibly sold into slavery. After being treated in the most inhumane way for several years by his slave owners, Freeman(Paul Giamatti), Ford(Benedict Cumberbatch), Tibeats(Paul Dano) & the most brutal of them all, Edwin Epps(Michael Fassbender), Solomon tries to prove desperately that he is in fact, a free black man.
This film is flawless from start to finish. It can make you weep like you've never wept before. The viewer really feels the pain & suffering of Solomon & his fellow slaves like, Patsey(Lupita Nyong'o). One of the aspects that make the film what it is, is the cinematography. The American south of the olden days, has been captured beautifully. Some viewers may find this movie disturbing due to all the violence inflicted upon the slaves, especially by cruel cotton plantation owner, Edwin Epps. There is lots of gore but, it is not unnecessary. You might feel like some scenes are quite explicit however, this movie is worth sitting through all those difficult scenes. The reason is because, at the heart of the film is the heart wrenching story of a man who was happily married, with two children, who was a free man his whole life, had to go through such a horrifying experience. Another factor that makes this movie worth watching is the cast & their incredible performances. Although most of them have been given small roles, they all play their part to perfection. Chiwetel Ejiofor has given his career's best performance as Solomon Northup. The expression of pain & vulnerability on Northup's face has been portrayed by Ejiofor, flawlessly. Michael Fassbender is vicious & wicked as Edwin Epps. Fassbender's portrayal of the heartless slave owner shows no restraint or remorse. I'm sure this is Fassbender's career best turn too. Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant as Ford. The Sherlock star, transitions from a British accent to a Southern accent, effortlessly. Paul Dano is great as Tibeats. Paul Giamatti is outstanding as Freeman. Lupita Nyong'o shines in her debut film. Sarah Paulson is impressive as Epps' insecure wife, Mistress Epps. Alfre Woodard is good as Mistress Shaw. Last but not the least, Brad Pitt is mind blowing in his cameo as, Bass. The supporting characters are effective as well. All in all, 12 Years a Slave is a must watch & deserves all the accolades & awards that it's most probably going to get.