Twelve Years a Slave

Twelve Years a Slave is an emotional film that has the power to change an audience's way of thinking. Americans, particularly, have the tendency to take their freedoms for granted. After viewing this film, one can only focus on the fact that freedom was not always given to all people. Twelve Years a Slave is a heart wrenching film that reveals the true story of Soloman Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor).  Soloman was born a free man in Minerva, New York, in 1808. Although Soloman was an African American during a time of active slavery, his freedom allowed him to become an extremely talented, literate, well respected man in his town. Soloman lived in New York with his family who were all legally free. Soloman, his wife, and his children almost seemed out of place to various people in passing because they roamed the streets freely while countless African Americans were enslaved around them. Soloman faces an appalling obstacle when he leaves his neighborhood for a business trip. During this time he is captured, brutally beaten, and sold as a slave. The film essentially focuses on Soloman's horrifying experiences as he battles the vile hardships of slavery and attempts to break free.

Twelve Years a Slave displays various aspects that make it a highly likeable choice for an Oscar nominee. The acting is fierce to the point where almost every emotion is transferred into the audience. In addition, the cinematography is breathtaking and accurately captures the horrors of slavery with creativity. The story also reveals the truths of slavery and institutionalized injustice in America at the time. Although the violence and harsh brutality is hard to watch, this film tells an unforgettable story. Twelve Years a Slave is an undeniably incredible masterpiece of 2013.