There are films that stick with you… that keep you thinking and wondering why. 12 Years a Slave is one of those for it tells the incredible true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who is tricked and sold into slavery and fights for his freedom for nearly 12 years.

Director Steve McQueen, who I first was introduced to with his movie Shame in 2011, is quite an artist. I will admit it was difficult at times to watch this film but McQueen’s depiction made the viewer feel what we should feel, remorse and guilt for this tragic piece of our American history. As The Guardian review reads, this movie is “stark, visceral and unrelenting…. Not just a great film but a necessary one.” I couldn’t agree more. Solomon teaches us a very important lesson in this film. Life isn’t about just surviving, but living. Let us always remember this.