A Near Masterpiece!

Rating: 9/10 (3 January 2014)

An adaptation of the eponymous 1853 autobiography by Solomon Northup, '12 Years a Slave' is A Near Masterpiece! Steve McQueen's Gut-Wrenching Direction, The Unforgettable Performances & A Screenplay So Brave & Arresting make this recent critical darling, A Winner All The Way!
'12 Years a Slave' Synopsis: In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.
'12 Years a Slave' is disturbing, but extremely powerful. Solomon Northup's heartbreaking, courageous is depicted on the big-screen with absolutely no inhibitions, which in turn, becomes its high-point. John Ridley's Adapted Screenplay is brave & arresting. While its often graphic & difficult to watch, it absorbs & mesmerizes quite often. Steve McQueen's Gut- Wrenching Direction, proves once again, how talented & versatile the filmmaker is! Cinematography & Editing are perfect. Art & Costume Design are authentic.
Performance-Wise: Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, delivers a compelling, heroic performance. There is pain, anger & frustration in his portrayal & he displays all of these emotions with dexterity. He's a serious contender for an Oscar this year! Lupita Nyong'o delivers wonderfully. Benedict Cumberbatch is excellent. Paul Dano & Paul Giamatti are highly effective. Sarah Paulson is fiery. Brad Pitt is lovely in a cameo. However, Michael Fassbender does not deliver as the main menace.
On the whole, '12 Years a Slave' is disturbing, but hard to forget.