If there is only one movie that you see this January then I strongly suggest that it be 12 Years A Slave, it is one of the most powerful movies that I have seen in a long time.
I had the privilege of seeing this film during the BFI London Film Festival, and it is one of those movies that stays with you long after the credits have rolled.
12 Years a Slave is based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, and marks the return of the fantastic Steve McQueen to the director’s chair. This is the third feature film of McQueen’s career after Hunger and Shame, and this is his best movie yet.
I cannot explain you how great a triumph 12 Years A Slave is, as it is a film that is as powerful and haunting as it is brutal and emotional.
British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor takes on the role of Solomon Northup in what is the best performance of his acting career to date; if he is not nominated for a Best Actor Oscar then there is something sadly wrong.
A terrific cast has been assembled around Ejiofor as Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender are just some of the names on board; Fassbender has to be one of the favourites for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination.
Fassbender delivers a tour de force performance as the brutal plantation owner Edwin Epps; the final lashing scene from Epps really will make you feel very uncomfortable in your seat.
In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.
Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender) as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity.
In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Pitt) forever alters his life.
I have been a fan of Steve McQueen for sometime, as he delivers powerful movies and is not afraid to explore taboo subjects.
12 Years A Slave really is his crowning glory and shows just how exciting and daring a filmmaker he really is. McQueen looks set to land a Best Director nod for his work; the Best Director Oscar looks set to be a two-way battle between him and Alfonso Cuaron for Gravity.
Of course, this is not a movie that makes comfortable watching, however, 12 Years A Slave is a film about the strength and the faith of the central character. I cannot stress enough how this is movie that is not to be missed.
12 Years A Slave is released 24th January.
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