Hackman makes the film!

Rating: 9/10 (24 April 2006)

I saw this movie several years ago, and it is a good film. It is about the powers of racism and prejudice in the south during the 1960s. It sounds like another film about civil rights that most would say o.k., but Hackman brightens it and makes something worthwhile; he's performance is outstanding and believable, as well as the other tidbits! It has been tragically overlooked (Rain Man won everything), which makes me sad.
So, the story is about three African-Americans who go missing, presumably dead. Agents are called in to investigate a possible clan that gathers in this town, which murders African-Americans for fun. Agent Anderson (Hackman) and Agent Ward (Dafoe) are the lead investigators. Their suspicions grow around the deputy (Dourif). His wife (McDormand) hides secrets that must be told which leads to a dangerous but vital path for everyone! Everything is good: the script, the music, the cinematography, the set-decoration, the view of an unforgotten south and the acting, especially by Gene Hackman. Due to its long length, I give it a ****1/2 out of ***** See it, it is an important film that teaches us all that we are all indeed human!