Dynamic and blistering; based on a stunning autobiography.

Rating: 9/10 (23 April 2014)

An unflinching Steve McQueen directs this Oscar winning Best Motion Picture, based on the autobiography of Solomon Northup. A born free black man, Northup(Chiwetel Ejiofor), a skilled violinist was lured to the nation's capital in 1841 under the guise of work. He is duped and drugged and sold to a slave trader. Northup is forced to answer to another name and appear to be uneducated in order to survive the cruelty of a series of plantations in Louisiana for 12 years.
His first owner, William Ford(Benedict Cumberbatch), was somewhat sympathetic and impressed by his new slave's limited intelligence and ability to play the fiddle. But Ford could not protect him from the cruelty of a sadistic overseer(Paul Dano). He is dangled for hours from a tree, while plantation life goes on all around him.
Surviving, Northup is sent to another owner, Edwin Epps(Michael Fassbender), who egotistically spouts his own rendition of scripture supported by damaging whip lashes. Epps did not hide the fact he had sexual desires for a young slave, Patsy(Lupita Nyong'o); but his violent jealousy is trumped by his wife(Sarah Paulson), who has power of her own due to her personal wealth. A chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist(Brad Pitt), will restore some dignity and hope, allowing Northup to end his extraordinary odyssey and return to his home in Saratoga, New York.
Director McQueen will share various accolades with screenwriter John Ridley. Ejiofor truly owns the movie with his ability to convey despair, grit, determination, caution, pain and reserved dignity. And the lovely Miss Nyong'o will be honored with the Best Supporting Actress statue. Then there is Hans Zimmer's outstanding score. Also in the cast: Dwight Henry, Paul Giamatti, Alfre Woodard, Bryan Batt, Bill Camp and Christopher Berry.
Be very aware of the R rating for violence, cruelty, nudity, disturbing images and brief sexual sequences. The 133 minutes running time is hardly noticed for this proves to be an impeccable viewing experience.