Introduce movie:
This began as John Grisham's debut legal thriller that was published in 1989, and the first in the Jake Brigance series (including Sycamore Row and A Time for Mercy.) This novel was a major bestseller resulting in John Grisham becoming a force in the the legal thriller genre that has lasted 37 years and counting. The movie was released in 1996 with many A list actors featured.
Grisham has cited Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird as an influence on his novel. Another stated inspiration was 1987's Presumed Innocent, the success of which fed the growing subgenre of legal thrillers.
Grisham reportedly says the novel is based on a real life case that Grisham witnessed of a harrowing testimony of a 12-year-old rape victim in Hernando, Mississippi courthouse.
The story takes place in Canton, a town in fictional Ford County, Mississippi during the post-Jim Crow era (1984). Two local extremely racist white men, Billy Ray Cobb and Pete Willard kidnap ten-year-old African-American girl Tonya Hailey on her way home from getting groceries, viciously rape and beat her then attempt to kill her by hanging then toss her in a river to finish her off. Tonya somehow miraculously survives, and the Sheriff arrests Cobb and Willard. This sets up dominoes that will tumble as a result and nearly set the town on fire.
Tonya's father, Carl Lee Hailey, discusses the case against Billy Ray Cobb and Pete Willard with Jake Brigance, a white lawyer who defended his brother before. After Jake mentions the possibility that the rapists will walk free, Carl Lee shoots both rapists as they're brought to the courthouse. Carl Lee is arrested, and Jake agrees to defend him and as a result of the events, the town becomes a battleground.
The film made $152 million worldwide. It marked the final film appearance of Joe Seneca.
Tagline: (Book) "Novel of Retribution"
(movie) "A lawyer and his assistant fighting to save a father on trial for murder. A time to question what they believe. A time to doubt what they trust. And no time for mistakes."
Cast:
Samuel L. Jackson as Carl Lee Hailey
Matthew McConaughey as Jake Brigance
Ashley Judd as Carla Brigance
Sandra Bullock as Ellen Roark
Donald Sutherland as Lucien Wilbanks
Kevin Spacey as Rufus Buckley
Oliver Platt as Harry Rex Vonner
Charles S. Dutton as Sheriff Ozzie Walls
Brenda Fricker as Ethel Twitty
Kiefer Sutherland as Freddie Lee Cobb
Rae'Ven Larrymore Kelly as Tonya Hailey
Writers: John Grisham and Akiva Goldsman
Director: Joel Schumacher
Rated R 2 hour 29 minutes
My Thoughts:
This movie centers around the virulent racist hatred that absolutely was/is a part of the American fabric. It is uncomfortable and it is meant to be. It is memorable for exactly that reason.
Because of its unabashed exposing of such shameful attitudes, it takes a stellar cast to make this drama gripping. This cast delivers on all counts, particularly young Rae'Ven Larrymore Kelly as the victim. Be sure to have tissues handy.
This movie pulls the veil back, showing the psychological and physical trauma with the consequences that result from racial injustice, systemic racism, and oppression. There are themes of justice, racism, revenge, and yes, empathy. It raises questions regarding the conflict between the law and moral feelings.
With all that said you may think this is just a morality preaching movie, but you would be very mistaken. All these themes and issues are what you can draw from this well acted gripping tale brought richly to life. It doesn't push answers, just gives an inspiring drama some even classify as a legal thriller.
Yes, this movie will provide food for thought but it is also a good movie. The plot follows the court case yet the drama mostly takes place outside the courtroom. Every actor brings their "a-game" no matter how much screen time their part has. Each time I watch it, I come away with an appreciation for a well-done movie with fine production, script, directing, atmosphere, and acting.
Be prepared: there is frequent use of racial slurs that was part of life in the South at the time. That was difficult for me, but it is part of the atmosphere in this town as well as a reality of racism. Plus, there are scenes of the Klan with burning crosses and white sheets et al. This too is reality. The Klan now uses automated telephone calling, leaving flyers and pamphlets on doors (which direct people to websites with "hotlines" that use pre-recorded Klan propaganda messaging), opportunistic exploiting of hot-button divisive political issues for recruitment, plus visibility in parades or marches and their signature intimidation tactics are still in use. Their recruiting is alive and well.
In my opinion, this is a five-star movie. Give it a watch with popcorn and tissues. Enjoy the craftsmanship of storytelling done well. I know it isn't perfect, but it is truly good.
Please share in the comments your thoughts on this movie.
Movie Trailer:
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