Free man sold
DVD: 12 Years A Slave Reviewed by: Gareth Drawbridge Review made possible by: NuMetro
After receiving critical acclaim for the 2008 film Hunger, skilled director Steve McQueen has once again received a standing ovation for his latest masterpiece 12 Years A Slave.
Based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, 12 Years A Slave is an unflinching story of brutality, heartache, strength and hope.
The film begins when Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is kidnapped from his home in New York and sold into slavery.
Stripped of his identity, Northup is purchased by Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender), a cruel plantation owner who believes it is his divine right to abuse and humiliate slaves.
Forced to pick cotton for his master, Northup dreams of his family and the freedom he once had.
However, as the days turn into years, Northup struggles to find the strength to go on but he never completely gives up hope that he will one day be free again.
12 Years A Slave is a powerful film which features a stellar cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano and Brad Pitt.
Although it is well done, the film is quite long and tends to drag during certain scenes.
12 Years a Slave is recommended to fans of historical dramas such as Lincoln and Amistad.
