12 Years A Slave

Steve McQueen has a reputation for making provocative films (see Hunger and Shame) and this goes for this year's Oscar nominated !2 Years A Slave (2013). A powerful tale of America's infamous past with stellar performances from the mian cast of Chiwetel Ejofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong'o. The films oscillates from the absolute beauty of the American south as seen on this constructed plantation with weeping willows and kudzu covering the trees all around with unspeakable cruelty and human rights abuses. It is not the typical feel good Oscar fare, but a challenging and sober look at one of the less savory aspects of American history.