An amazing portrayal of a slave's life.

Rating: 10/10 (22 December 2014)

This movie does an excellent job of showing what it was really like to be a slave. The main character, Solomon Northup, is originally a freeman until he is tricked by two men who sell him into slavery. All of his rights are taken away from him as he is sold into what will be the worst years of his life. He is forced to leave his family and friends behind, not knowing if he will ever see them again. His previous lifestyle and identity are to remain a secret in order for him to survive. Throughout his years as a slave he is sold from master to master, who continually get harsher. Beatings and death of other slaves are common, and he too experiences the pain of a whipping. An experience that scares him for life. To us freedom may not mean anything, we do not live with the risk of all of our rights being taken away suddenly. However, during the 1800's, freedom was a miraculous thing. It was the difference between a safe and good lifestyle, or one with pain and suffering. Solomon Northup lost his freedom, and was unable to gain it back again for 12 years. The only thing he wanted was his freedom, it meant everything in the world to him. Everyday that passed without his freedom, meant another day of hard labor, and another day away from his family. Ultimately McQueen does an amazing job portraying the life of slave. The actors and actresses make it feel like you are right there, and deliver a very emotional and moving performance. I really like this movie, 5 stars!