Academy Movie Reviews: 12 Years A Slave

Rating: 9/10 (13 March 2014)

I will be reviewing Academy awarded and nominated films. The first in this series is "12 Years A Slave."
I watched it last night. An emotionally draining film. It was brutal and depressing. The acting was outstanding by the entire cast. I am not surprised that this film won 131 of the 137 nominations received. (Academy Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, Screen Actors Guild, and so on )12yearsaslave
Award winning director, Steve McQueen, has directed many short, and one other feature films. 12 Years A Slave should allow for this talented director to finally explode in Hollywood.
Based on a true story, Solomon (portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor) tells about his need to Survive. As a FREE man once living in upstate New York, Solomon is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Although Solomon hid the fact he was educated, and could read and write — he oftentimes stood up for himself, (but rarely for others). The fear that filled him was powerful. His goal remained constant, and commendable  to stay alive and make it back home to his family. To Freedom.
While some of Solomon's encounters reveal. . .kindness, most of the slave owners and hired hands treat the slaves with less respect than what is shown to pigs in a stable. This is not an easy movie to watch. The violent and abusive physical, mental, and sexual treatment of human beings was more than enough to make my stomach churn. I had a constant knot in my gut, and oftentimes had to wipe tears from my eyes. There are countless scenes where people are whipped, hung, beaten, berated and raped.
However, this was a movie I am glad I saw. It was powerful and provoking. It made me angry and very sad. I find it difficult and horrifying to believe slavery was prevalent in our country, and even more shocking that it lasted as long as it did.
12 Years A Slave is an "R" rated, 134 minute long film that will hold you captive. It is the compelling story and the constant disgust that kept me from rarely so much as blinking. There are far too many actors and actresses to name. All deserve credit for their roles in the film. All deserve awards. It is only March 2014, but I believe I've just seen the best movie of the year.
Phillip Tomasso Author of The Vaccination Trilogy and other equally impressive novels! http://wwww.philliptomasso.com