Synopsis: Based on the true story of Solomon Northrup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) a black violinist who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in 19th Century America.
Stan's thoughts: There are lots of hyped, award-nominated films coming up what with it being Oscar season and all and sometime that taint judgement. Steve McQueen's latest certainly packs a punch and is, not surprisingly given the subject matter, often uncomfortable and distressing viewing.
Fantastic performances but then there are some of the best of Britain's acting talent - Fassbender and Cumberbatch - and the likes of Paul Giamatti, Paul Dano and Brad Pitt popping up briefly.
Must also mention Lupita Nyong'o as Patsy and Sarah Paulson as Mrs Epps who were probably the most interesting and fully fleshed out characters. And that is where I have to deduct points because I don't feel the film really got fully under the skin of the protagonist Solomon and what was going on in his head throughout it all.
12 Years A Slave almost lived up the hype and certainly did a better job than Gravity or American Hustle on that score. I was a little bit of an emotional mess at the end so for that it definitely gets the thumbs up.
Ratings
- Stan's: 80%
- IMDB: 86%
- Metascore: 97%
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
- RT audience rating: 93%
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