#6: 12 Years a Slave
Year: 2013
Unless you have seen this incredible film, chances are you haven’t heard of the story of Solomon Northrup. This man’s unjust journey to freedom is painstakingly portrayed in this unbelievable true story. This Best Picture winner is set during the infamously dark part of American history.
The film follows the story of Northrup, who is a free man living in New York City with his family when he is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Steve McQueen’s depiction of events is refreshingly accurate, seeing as many films about this dark period often shy away from the reality that barbaric racism was a genuine fact of life during this time.