good story brought down by the Hollywood formula

Rating: Null/10 (23 April 2002)

A scrappy, no-nonsense black pugilist is on the rise during the late 1960s. He eventually defies the odds and becomes the world heavyweight champion, until racism and prejudice falsely imprison him for murders he didn't commit. Years later, with the help of a ghetto teenager and three Canadian activists, he makes a courageous push for freedom. Based on the true story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, the story is inspiring, emotionally moving, and carried a long way on the strength of Washington's powerful performance, but there are a few too many dramatic contrivances that weaken the story. As with most films in this genre it requires the suspension of disbelief to be really entertaining. **½