"12 Years a Slave" is an unusual story about slavery and its evils because unlike most films, this one is based on the true story of a black man who was free but was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the early-mid 19th century. Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) was a happy man--with a wife and kids. However, once kidnapped, as the title suggests, he disappeared for 12 years and was treated brutally. The film shows his MANY trials--including beatings, attempted hangings and witnessing rapes and other atrocities.

The Oscar winners will be announced tomorrow and there is a lot of buzz for "12 Years a Slave" as well as "Gravity". I saw both in the last two days and would easily pick "Gravity". Now this is NOT because I think "12 Years a Slave" is a bad film. No, it's quite good. However, it's also a rather straight-forward narrative punctuated by many scenes of brutality--and not all that different from films such as "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman", "Roots" or "Amistad". It's all very sad but doesn't really break much new ground. Whereas the entire production of "Gravity" is unlike anything ever made before--and has a completely unique and breathtaking space adventure that looks and feels as if you are there. To me, this makes "Gravity" my pick--though both are very good films.

By the way, I mentioned the brutality in "12 Years a Slave". All of it was very appropriate to include in the film but it's simply too rough for kids. Think twice before you allow younger viewers to watch it or, better yet, watch it with them.