controversial film ~ 12 Years a Slave

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Executions, murders and graphic floggings on screen: But will controversial slavery film that prompted viewers to walk out go on to take top spot at the Oscars?

Hardened critics sobbed and gasped their way through the premiere of 12 Years a Slave, which stars British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (bottom right with co-star Michael Fassbender). Director Steve McQueen is tipped to score the best director Oscar for the film, which is based on the true story of African American Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped and sold into a brutal life of slavery in 1841.