A showcase performance for Washington!

Rating: Null/10 (26 March 2000)

Three cheers to Roger Ebert who commented recently on the bickering and scandals surrounding the film The Hurricane, and the fact that certain inaccuracies could hurt Denzel Washington's chances as a Best Actor Oscar. As Ebert says, "Who cares?" We don't go to films to be educated - we go to be entertained. Let's judge the film on those merits instead.
Reubin 'Hurricane' Carter is the man who 'could have been a contender' had his professional career not been cut short in the 1960's when he was convicted for murdering several people in a bar.
The film examines the life of Hurricane, how he spends his days in jail, the facts (and perhaps the fiction) surrounding the case, and the circumstances surrounding the appeals. Throughout we see a character transform from an angry street kid to a tired, but not yet defeated, older man.

Hurricane's story reaches a young boy who has been 'rescued' from the streets of New York by a group of happy-go-lucky Torontonian's. The boy and his foster family take on Hurricane's case after several others have given up.
I'm not familiar with the full story myself and, like Roger Ebert, I really don't think it matters. I have seen recent interviews with Reuben Carter and have read enough about the case to know that this film captures the essence of the story and the spirit of the man. Furthermore, The Hurricane makes a pretty strong statement on its own.
In the end, this film truly belongs to Denzel Washington. His performance is near flawless, playing someone who is not perfect, but certainly remarkable. Over the past few years we have seen Washington become somewhat mannered in his performances, however, he is usually playing icy professionals in simplistic thrillers. In Hurricane, the Washington mannerisms are tossed aside as he delivers a performance that is fresh. You can not take your eyes off of him - he is that good!
I did have problems with the movie, and none of them had to do with the facts surrounding the case. I didn't understand, nor buy into, the Canadians who worked on Hurricane's last appeal. Their undying conviction for this man was honorable, but lacked reason. We Canadians can be friendly, but not to the extent that we would leave everything behind and move down south.
On a more personal note, the way that Toronto was depicted was almost laughable. The first scene projects two characters walking through Ontario Place, under the shadow of the CN Tower. They are heading to a book fair (where they stumble upon Hurricane's biography) and one is complaining about the cold. The other replies by saying that he'd better get used to it as this is summer! Let me assure you that Toronto sees some pretty muggy days. Ask anyone who has been sprawled out over the air conditioner in July.

In the end, The Hurricane, while sometimes predictable, works. Washington delivers some great lines. This character in this film delivers a strong message that is, for once, positive. And the story does bring tears to the eyes once in awhile.