Denzel Gives a Hurricane Performance.

Rating: 8/10 (6 November 2015)

The Hurricane (1999): Dir: Norman Jewison / Cast: Denzel Washington, Vicellous Reon Shannon, Deborah Kara Unger, Dan Hedaya, John Hannah: Based on the true story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter who spent most of his life in prison for the murder of three people. His ring name is Hurricane in the sport of boxing but it also mirrors his emotions, which is fueled by rage. The film spans from his troubled childhood where theft led to his initial encounter with the law. Central plot regards his innocence and his ability to go unbroken from the corrupt system that placed him there. Director Norman Jewison dealt with racial issues before in films such as In the Heat of the Night. He presents boxing footage in appropriate black and white. Powerful performance by Denzel Washington as Carter whose patience for corruption payoff in the form of Vicellous Reon Shannon as the ghetto kid who reads his biography and determined to set him free. This will land a predictable conclusion that holds question as to how much is accurate. Deborah Kara Unger plays one of Shannon's foster parents who assists him. Where the film goes wrong is its representing of the villain cop, played by Dan Hedaya seen more as a bad guy than an actual personality. It never examines this issue beyond the basic finger-pointing agenda while strong arguments can equal stronger content. Compelling film about race and justice. Score: 8 Â½ / 10