Steve McQueen has established himself as one of the best up and coming directors in the modern film industry with two of the best films of the last 10 years, Hunger in 2008 and Shame in 2011. In 2013, McQueen has a chance to reach even greater heights with his newest film, 12 Years a Slave. The film tells the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the 1840s. McQueen has pulled together a ridiculous cast for the film, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Giamatti, and Quvenzhané Wallis. One intriguing part of the film is that unlike many historical films, which often place modern thoughts and ideas into characters who would never think that way, 12 Years a Slave is based off an actual account from that time, suggesting it will be much more realistic than most historical adaptions. McQueen has shown in his last two films that he's not one to pander to audiences and 12 Years A Slave should be among the most powerful and intelligent films of 2013. With McQueen's signature visual flair and penchant for telling hard-hitting, affecting stories, 12 Years a Slave is the most likely candidate for best film of 2013. Like this list? Let us know in the comments section below.