After watching this movie my first thought was "Why is this so highly rated", although by no means a bad movie. The story is one of shocking hardship and unfairness as experienced by our main character played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Performances are ranging from average bad to good, with Fassbender's dodgy accent and predictable character interpretation standing out as part of the weaker elements. Likewise Brad Pitt cannot be taken seriously, his one dimensional delivery destroys any narrative and leaves the associated components destitute of conviction.

Several times I felt I could be watching a TV movie albeit one with a larger budget than normal. Considering the topic there was a lack of narrative emotion which was compensated by some scenes of brutality and "shock".

A better director could have created a much more immersive production that engaged the watcher with more depth. As it stands a harrowing story, in an average package with a sprinkle of cliché and unintentional irony.