Beautifully acted, casting occasionally surprising and a horrifying story. The story of a northern businessman kidnapped. His family could have been mine; it could have been his children, my children. It is no surprise that this movie did not come out of an American director but an English Grenadian born if that is correct. Solomon is the main character played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. He feels so real as do the people around him. Accomplished, educated and talented, he is prime pickings for the slave trade. How could this happen in America to Americans? The movie has to cover a lot of time and events and the viewer could feel some of the short cuts but it came as a relief to me. I almost walked out early on as it was too painful. I wish I were better at reviewing. Sorry I could not give you a more intelligent review. Plan on time to sit down, have a meal and talk about this movie afterward. It will take decompression time. Do you have the guts to see it?