One of the most emotional films I've ever seen

Rating: 10/10 (25 January 2000)

There are few actors that can do what Denzel does. That is, actually become the character that he plays. It doesn't matter if it is a fictional character or if it is a real character. From guys like Walter Hubbard and his character in The Bone Collector to Malcolm X and now Rubin Hurruicane Carter, Denzel Washington has something that only the greats have, and that is charisma. I honestly can't think of a better actor in the business today and I mean that with all due respect to people like DeNiro and Pacino. But before this film I didn't know anything about Rubin Hurricane Carter or the people that helped him out. Now, thanks to this incredible film by Norman Jewison and because of Denzel Washington, I feel like I know the man and feel for what he went through.
There are so few films that I let get inside of me. I mean where they can manipulate your emotions to the point where you feel like you just ran a marathon upon leaving the theater. That is how I felt. I was emotionally drained after seeing this film. The Hurricane is not an easy film to watch. It will send you through the wringer and it will make you want to cry in many areas. This is the story of a man that has spent almost all of his life behind bars because of racism and because of hate. It is stories like this that show you how sick and twisted our world is.

Mississippi Burning was a film with racism as it's main theme. It showed how rampant and authoritative it was back it the 60's. It was directed by an Englishman ( Alan Parker ) as The Hurricane was directed by a Canadian. Two bleak times in American history and their stories were told by foreign directors. Maybe it easier for foreigners to see what it wrong with the U.S. in some ways.
This is an incredible story of injustice, love, hate, persistency and the true spirit of five people. Rubin Hurricane Carter, Lesra, the young man that gave Rubin hope and the three Canadians that diligently fought for his innocence. It is a film that moved me almost unlike any film has before. When Rubin was granted his freedom, I wanted to hug the person next to me. I was so happy for him and I felt like I was watching the real trial. The film became real to me. And that is something that as I said before, not many films have done to me. And I do want to thank Norman Jewison for making this incredible film. After seeing this movie you can be sure I am going to go back and watch other films of his that I have not seen before. He is a great director and although I have said in many reviews this year that American Beauty is the best film of the year, for the first time since seeing that mind blowing film, I can now finally say that if The Hurricane beats it out as best picture, I would not be disappointed. It is that powerful of a film.
If you have been deterred from seeing this film because you have heard people say that it drags or it is a little slow in parts, please don't listen to them. This film is about two and a half hours long because it has a lot to say. And it never drags at all. This is a powerful movie and the length should never keep you from a good film. This, believe me, is a great film and it is one that should be seen.
10 out of 10--- A True Masterpiece