12 Years a Slave (2013) Review

Or, everyone should be equal, though it seems some are much more equal than others.

You can find the trailer here.

Now I just want to state from the very beginning (I still can't say that phrase without going into The Sound of Music in my head) that I very much enjoyed this film. Considering the length, it was fantastically well paced. Even in a theatre with a heater relentlessly trying to cook my legs, and a horrendous cough I was desperately trying to conceal (mostly with wine) it went by very quickly.

However, it must first be noted that I watched 12 Years a Slave (2013) after it had won the Best Picture Oscar so it had a lot to live up to.

For those who have been living under a rock, here is the IMDB synopsis;

Based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel 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 (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

This was one of those films where I watched it thinking it was amazing, but as soon as the lights went up it didn't take too long before questions and doubts started crawling into my mind.

Here is a little insight into why I find 12 Years a Slave just a little too unnerving.