12 Years a Slave

In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.

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Director: Steve McQueen

Writer[s]: John Ridley [screenplay], Solomon Northup [original work]

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Brad Pitt, Michael K. Williams, Paul Giamatti

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Steve McQueen is a director of unparalleled ability. 12 Years a Slave and 2011’s Shame are two dramas that literally couldn’t be any better. His ability, vision, and artistry was clearly no fluke in Shame, for he has even surpassed that film with this one that tackles our world’s worst ever crime: slavery.

Lincoln

As the Civil War continues to rage, America’s president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.