Review of 12 Years a Slave (2013) by Mloy X — 01 Oct 2014

Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor): I don't want to survive. I want to live.

A truly amazing performance from everyone in this film, most especially from the main protagonist, Chiwetel Ejiofor who plays the lead character "Solomon". He played Solomon with the appropriate amount of gravitas that you sympathize with the character's plight without being too heavy. Michael Fassbender who plays Master Epps was convincingly scary that you almost believe he is that evil. Lupita Nyong'o (Patsey) was absolutely amazing; you really feel sorry for her the most; her situation was the worst imaginable among all the characters. It was also a surprise and a treat to see Benedict Cumberbatch (who played Master Ford) among the cast (boy do I love him). The story was enlightening but sad; a sad and unfortunate truth in American history (and may society never revert to that back-ass-ward way of thinking). The film was truly profound, even dare I say awe-inspiring, but also gut-wrenching and unsettling all at the same time; so much lesson to be learned and it made me extremely appreciative of the fact that I will never live in times like those and hopefully no one would ever have to ever again.