The realisation that the horrors of Solomon Northup's ordeals are entirely factual makes 12 Years A Slave all-the-more bitter to swallow, but despite such emotional turmoil, his inherent will to survive and desire to prove his rightful freedom makes him a truly liberating figure. Chiwetel Ejiofor's outstanding central performance is founded on the utmost respect and dignity, whilst ensuring every shade of tragedy is correctly palliated. A New York State-born free African-American man in 1841, Northup was unlawfully sold into slavery after being kidnapped. Here he endured a dozen years of abhorrent abuse across a number of plantations; forced to work, starve and worst of all, watch as his fellow slaves perish at the hands of a sadist planter. The heroism and perseverance of this great man is truly inspirational. Against all odds and expectations - let's face it, if you were trapped in such a ghastly situation, you'd feel as if there was simply no escape - Northup defied those who done him wrong by triumph of heart, will and determination. The film's closing sequences with he and his family inside their home is immeasurably moving.