Should kids go see ’12 Years a Slave’ despite film’s R rating?

theGRIO VIDEO - '12 Years a Slave' cast members Sarah Paulson and Chewitel Ejiofor discuss whether or not kids should go see their R rated film...

Actress Sarah Paulson calls 12 Years a Slave “the most accurate and true depiction of this time in our country’s history that I can think of…”

“As human being I think it’s our responsibility to take in this story,” she added.

The critically acclaimed slave epic, directed by Steve McQueen, had an impressive opening in limited theaters over the weekend, and will expand nationwide in weeks to come.

In spite of the film’s R rating (for violence, cruelty, nudity and sexuality), Paulson, who plays the evil wife of a slave master, believes adults and children should see 12 Years a Slave.

“I think everyone should see this movie,” Paulson told theGrio’s Chris Witherspoon. “As an audience member you shouldn’t just be looking for an opportunity to eat popcorn and Raisinets. This is the kind of movie that you are involved with viscerally.”

In a recent interview with VIBE, the film’s star, Chewitel Ejiofor, agreed with Paulson.

“I absolutely think that kids in school should see this movie,” Ejiofor said. “I think it’s never too late and it’s never too early to start learning and talking about human respect. I think that’s the overall message of this film.”

Do you think kids should go see 12 Years a Slave?

Follow Chris Witherspoon on Twitter at @WitherspoonC 

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