The true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man living in upstate New York, who was kidnapped in 1841 and spent 12 years as a slave on deadly Louisiana coastal plantations.

"Well, my boy, how do you feel now?" -- "I wished for wings" -- "I will learn you your name!" -- Life is dear to every living thing -- "A song of peace" -- "If I ever catch you with a book" -- "I am here now a slave" -- "How can I end my days here?" -- "Solomon Northup is my name!" -- "I had been restored to happiness and liberty".