MOVIE REVIEW - 12 Years A Slave

One of the most compelling movies of 2013 is in theaters this week, 12 Years A Slave.   This is certainly the front runner for the Oscar for best picture at this stage.

This is based on the true account written by Solomon Northrup. Northrup was born a free African American man in the 1800's, and grew up and lived in New York state a free man when slavery was still a huge way of life in the south.  He is educated and successful.  He then is tricked by two men who offer him a job in Washington D.C.  Kidnapped and sent to the south where he is sold into slavery as a grown man, leaving his wife and two children to wonder what happened to him for the ext 12 years.  This is the story of his 12 years struggling to survive and to try to get back to his family.  And it's the story of the people he encounters along the way.

This is also a movie that will be loved by Hollywood and will be reviewed very well.  This is heavy, heavy intense drama, with no levity at all.  It is a dark story of human suffering, and a front row look at a horrible time in American history.  For those who choose to go see this, it will be universally loved all the way around.  But, this movie is not for everyone.  This is a hard R rating, and is stunningly brutal at times.   This is amazingly graphic, as it takes you deep inside the horrible sides (and there are many), of the slave trade in the 1850's.  It is very difficult to watch at times as they don't sugar coat much of anything, nor do they spare you any of the harsh realities that these people lived with every day for decades. 

This also does a superior job of developing characters in very short order, that you both hate and love.  It is filmed simply amidst wonderful sets, and authentic costuming to catapult you directly into the era.  This is a highly emotive movie that makes you feel a whole gamut of feelings.   There were plenty of head turnings and heavy sighing in the theater today as it all plays out on screen.  This is very well acted, and directed.  A big cast, all with small roles as this paces through time.  Our star Chiwetel Ejiofor is sensational as Northrup, as this is a huge role.  He will be nominated for best actor for this, and will more than likely be the one to beat.

12 Years a Slave.  Very good but direct and to the point.  This will be one of the best reviewed movies of the year.