ONE OF THE FINEST FILMS OF THE DECADE!

Rating: 10/10 (22 January 2020)

Alan Parker's powerful, thought-provoking cinematic masterpiece about the deep racism and blind hatred in a small Southern town in the summer of 1964, where three young civil rights workers are brutality murdered in their car on a lonely road. Two mismatched FBI agents have been dispatched to investigate the disappearances of the workers, one is Agent Anderson, brilliantly played by Gene Hackman in an Oscar nominated turn that is one of the finest performances of his career, he is an experience ex-Southern lawman who knows how to handle people from this area, the other is Agent Ward, terrifically played by Willem Dafoe, who is in charge and is a by-the-book type of man who is way over his head, but is ready to bring the full force of the FBI upon this town to get results. Masterful direction by Parker, with extraordinary Oscar winning cinematography by Peter Biziou, and a haunting score by Trevor Jones. Sensational supporting performances by Frances McDormand, Brad Dourif, R. Lee Ermey, Gailard Sartain, Stephen Tobolowsky, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Badja Djoia, Frankie Faison, and Kevin Dunn. Special kudos must go to Michael Rooker for his unforgettably frighting performance as the murderous white racist Frank. Vivid period detail that is absolutely flawless. Nominated for 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director: Alan Parker, Best Actor: Gene Hackman, and Best Supporting Actress: Francis McDormand. A spectacular adult drama thriller that is a must-see!