Inspirational

Rating: Null/10 (22 July 2000)

We are always told that our justice system is the best in the world. Given the fact that this film is based on a true story and also given some recent verdicts, I think the reason for the statement is sobering -- if this system is the best, imagine how horrible other systems must be.
This film tells the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a prize fighter convicted of murders in a bar that he didn't commit, railroaded by a bigoted cop. Though many people took an interest in Carter's case over the years, it took a group of young Canadians (Deborah Kara Unger, Liev Schreiber, and John Hannah) to come to his aide and not give up. This is thanks to their ward's friendship with Hurricane (Lesra Martin), who is inspired by Hurricane's book.
Carter's courageous story is certainly one that should be seen. Rod Steiger plays the Supreme Court judge, and he's wonderful; soap star Debbie Morgan plays Carter's wife, and she gives an excellent performance. The entire cast is very believable.
A very spiritual film with an amazing performance by Denzel Washington. This is one of a number of incarceration films to hit the screen in recent years and, with a powerful actor like Denzel in the lead, one of the best.