Powerful, thought-provoking even 16 years later

Rating: 10/10 (9 December 2004)

I have just viewed this film again, 16 years after it was released. Its power, not just in how the FBI eventually gets its men, but also how any human beings can treat another group the way they did, still has a place in 2004. It is a sad commentary on western society that even during the 'swinging sixties' this kind of behaviour was tolerated.
The courage of Mrs. Pell, the sheer bloody-mindedness of Anderson to achieve a conviction, and the weary acceptance of Ward that to achieve conviction some corners had to be cut, is still as pertinent today as it was when the film was set. Hackman's performance was, as always, brilliant and Dafoe is a much underrated actor.
Undoubtedly one of my favourite films, not just for the acting and the thought-provoking storyline, but also because whenever we watch it, it teaches us something important.