The Incredible True Story Behind "12 Years a Slave"

Some stories are so amazing; it's hard to believe that they're true. But truth, as the old adage goes, can oftentimes be stranger than fiction. More often than not, it’s these true stories that are also the best stories.

Such is the case with Solomon Northup, whose odyssey was one that it is hard to fathom any person enduring, real or invented. Living as a free man in mid-19th century America, Solomon was tricked, drugged, and trapped into slavery for (as you may have guessed) a dozen years, enduring many brutal hardships in his ensuing quest for survival.

Now, Solomon's incredible story has been made into a feature film, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as the man himself. 12 Years a Slave also features a supporting cast that most movies could only dream of assembling, including Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Giamatti, Paul Dano, Michael Kenneth Williams, Quvenzhané Wallis, Alfre Woodard, and Brad Pitt. The film was helmed by director Steve McQueen (Shame), who previously tackled another incredible true-life story with 2008's Hunger.

12 Years a Slave already hit the theaters October 18th, and will no doubt be discussed a great deal during the coming awards season. For more info on the film, and to view its trailer in HD, be sure to visitwww.foxsearchlight.com/12yearsaslave.