Denzel Washington is an actor of the finest caliber.

Rating: 7/10 (26 August 2000)

I know that many considered this movie to be manipulative, a misrepresentation of the facts, a glossing over of some of the uglier details of Ruben Carter's life. I don't know -- I never read anything about him prior to the release of the film except that he was a boxer. But I will now. And it is because of Denzel Washington. Another IMDB commenter mentioned that Denzel does not just act, he BECOMES the character. And watching this story, I wanted to know what happened to Ruben Carter, I wanted to watch this character grow and change, I wanted to see if justice would be done for Ruben, because I believed that Denzel WAS Ruben, and I was really watching him go through his life. Now, the young man that plays Lezra, the boy who takes an interest in his case after reading Ruben's autobiography, is very real and natural. And their scenes together are very moving. And many other fine actors do well in this film, particularly the actress who plays the one of the three Canadians who help Ruben -- but this is Denzel's movie. Malcolm X is still my absolute favorite Denzel role -- but this comes close. Rent it, see it -- you will get to view another incredible, nuanced performance by a gifted talented actor. Bravo, Denzel. You were robbed at the Oscars!