There's no real surprise that 12 years a slave waltzed off with the best film Oscar. The plot plays perfectly for the academy. Solomon Northup (Ejiofor) is a black free man living in the New York area in the 19th Century. He is kidnapped and sold as a slave to the south and the film focuses on his life as a(n educated) slave over the next 12 years. It is based on a true story.

The film is always likely to be a tough watch and that was certainly true. I wasn't especially engaged by the main character, but the supporting role of Patsy (Nyongo) is very watchable. The direction of Steve McQueen is certainly good and a couple of the scenes are likely to stay with you for a long time. Definitely not for the feint hearted!