In 1841, the Afro-American violinist Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a free man, living with his wife and children in Saratoga Springs, New York. He is hired by two men for a two-week tour in Washington with their theatrical company. However Solomon is kidnapped and sold as a slave in New Orleans with the nickname Platt. Along twelve years, he works in the plantations and has abusive treatment of his masters, until the day he meets the Canadian abolitionist Bass (Brad Pitt) that promises to send a letter to his family.

"12 Years a Slave" is another great story of injustice and the saga of Solomon Northup is as sad as Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables". Steve McQueen made a heartbreaking movie but the plot is based only on the injustice with Solomon Northup; what can the viewer say about the other poor slaves badly treated bu their masters. "12 Years a Slave" is a great movie but did not deserve to win the Oscar, competing against "Gravity" and "Captain Phillips". My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "12 Anos de Escravidão" ("12 Years a Slave")