Film Review: 12 Years A Slave (15) (U.S.A./U.K. 2013) (Director: Steve McQueen),  The Filmhouse Cinema Screen One, Edinburgh, Monday 13.01.2014, 17:40

This film I feel needs no introduction due to the level of publicity it has received. If you are familiar with the director's previous two films, Hunger (2008) & Shame (2011), you will be aware that he puts you, as a viewer, through the emotional mill. Though neither of these prepare you for this film. 

This is a film that manages to show subtle differences between 'slavers', while at the same time, without being heavy handed, never flinches in showing the barbarity of slavery. This is suitably a brutal and harrowing film to endure. It took some effort to hold myself together by the end. 

I cannot recommend this film as an enjoyable watch, though at the same time, it feels important enough that everyone should see this. If you are not shaken by this film, then you are protecting your psyche from being confronted by this. I cannot see why anyone would wish to see this more than once, though if you appreciate good film-making, do not avoid putting yourself through this. I have no issue with any element of this film. 

This felt unremitting in a similar way to Schindler's List (1993), though without the sentimental sop of an ending than Spielberg succumbed to, leaving a sense of being truly humbled. 

I have been doing reviews for over 18 months and had got to a point of thinking that only live performances could ever feel to be beyond giving a rating to. I have been proved wrong. It would be trite to give a rating to this visual experience.