A searing, extremely powerful, poignant and deeply unsettling film - One of the greatest examples in American film-making in the past 30 years.

Rating: 9/10 (19 June 2008)

Mississippi Burning (1988)
Number 1 - 1988
Top 15 - 1980s
Top 100 - All Time
1964. When America was at war with itself.
Few other films are as powerful, meaningful and profoundly unsettling yet simultaneously intense and action packed as Alan Parker's Mississippi Burning. To say that this film is good would be an understatement. There are two ways this film can be seen - Firstly this is a first rate police thriller, superbly shot, it delivers maximum impact.
Secondly, and most importantly in my opinion, this film is a sumptuous documentation of extreme racism in the Deep South in the 1960s. The Declaration of Independence states that "All men are created equal". This ain't true in Mississippi. This film is harrowing, it is not easy to watch and at times it is simply emotionally overwhelming. This is one piece of cinema which displays the mindless and infinite callousness and savagery that is possessed by humanity. What makes us so hateful? This film does not investigate such complex issues,it rather shows its devastating effects.
The murder of 3 civil rights activists in Mississippi in 1964, attracts external police forces (mainly the FBI) to investigate the disappearance of these 3 young people (2 white, 1 black). Head of operation is Mr. Ward, played with a commanding and controlled brilliance by Willem Dafoe and accompanied by Gene Hackman. Now here is the thing with Hackman, he is one of the greatest screen actors of our time. His presence transcends beyond the screen, whenever he is on the screen he steals the show. Few other actors are as magnetic as Hackman, especially when we see him get angry.
This is an excellent achievement, with an outstanding cast, including Frances McDormand in a superb performance.
When you see this film, ask yourself one question. Where does all this hatred come from?
Essential Viewing
10/10