12 Years a Slave (2013)

British director Steve Mcqueen depicts a chapter in American history that shows how far we’ve come since slavery. Based on Solomon Northup’s 1853 memoir, 12 Years a Slave (2013) is one memorable biopic. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a Black free man who was ruthlessly snatched off the streets in Washington and sold into slavery during the 19th Century. Such derogation is never sexy but Solomon, John (Craig Tate), and Clemons Ray (Chris Chalk) each add a generous view of their toned torsos and muscular backsides during a depressing scene at the film’s 18-minute mark. Forced to work for twelve years (hence the title) by Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender) on various plantations in Louisiana, Solomon eventually finds his freedom thanks to a chance meeting with the kindly Canadian abolitionist Samuel Bass (Brad Pitt). But before then, he encounters real life preacher and planter William Prince Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch) and slave trader Theophilus Freeman (Paul Giamatti). The motion picture also features Alfre Woodard, Paul Dano, Michael K. Williams, Sarah Paulson, and Best Supporting Actress Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. The critically-acclaimed drama also received Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay (John Ridley) and Best Picture, while the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards named Mr. Ejiofor Best International Actor and Mr. Fassbender Best International Supporting Actor. Of course, if you want to see the skin on these pretty performers under less bleak circumstances, check out Michael in Shame (2011) and Chiwetel in Dancing on the Edge (2013). It’ll have you dancing in your pants!