Ghosts of Mississippi
In 1963 civil rights leader Medgar Evers was murdered in his own driveway.
For 30 years his assassin has remained free.
Is it ever too late to do the right thing?
Myrlie Evers worked for the conviction of the white supremacist who murdered her husband, heroic civil rights leader Medgar Evers, through two hung juries and over 30 years. How Evers' killer was finally convicted comes to the screen with shattering emotional force in "one of the most important films of the '90s." (Paul Wunder, WBAI-FM/New York).
Directed by Rob Reiner and starring Alec Baldwin, Whoopi Goldberg and James Woods (an Academy Award nominee for his powerful work here), Ghosts Of Mississippi teems with the carefully recreated details of a relentless quest for justice and features special appearances by three children of Medgar Evers, as well as Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter Yolanda.
Member Reviews
Good Movie, Not About What You Think - LOPI
If you read the movie's description, you would be expecting to see a movie about Myrlie Evers (Whoopi Goldberg)and her 30-year battle to get justice for her slain husband, Civil Rights leader Medgar Evans. What you get instead is the story of the impact that reopening the case after 27 years had on the life of D.A. Robert DeLaughter (Alec Baldwin). The original crime and two mistrials are over in a few minutes, and the last 30 minutes of courtroom "drama" are not that dramatic. Having said that, the abhorrent racism of the deep South always makes for good drama and director Reiner pushes all the emotional buttons (in fact, he hits them with his usual sledgehammer). James Woods, as raving racist Byron De la Beckwith (you can't make up that name), was delightful, as usual.Okay Movie James Woods Was Entertaining - Delacroix
The movie was good and entertaining enough to watch but it was predictable which seems hard not be for the type of film. No surprises but a good story. James Woods was excellent in that role. Probably his best performance ever. Baldwin and Whoopi were good but no surprises in their performances either, pretty par for the course.Third Time Lucky - newdaysof
This film is an interesting dramatization of the events that took place in the 60's surrounding the assassination of a black civil rights worker and the follow up trial 27 years later. It clearly shows the deep racism that existed in Mississippi and that still lingers despite all the progress made.
Alec Baldwin gives an excellent performance as the assistant DA who brings this case to trial. Starting with next to no evidence, no witnesses and no case, he slowly, methodically digs through the past and comes up with a case. James Woods also gives a stellar performance as the evil racist man who pulled the trigger and who defied authorities and even mocked them in public.
The only problem I had with this film is Whoopi Goldberg's performance. Basically, she doesn't know how to act and gives a wooden, stilted, unbelievable performance that really detracts from the the message of her character.
Member Reviews
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Good Movie, Not About What You Think - LOPI
If you read the movie's description, you would be expecting to see a movie about Myrlie Evers (Whoopi Goldberg)and her 30-year battle to get justice for her slain husband, Civil Rights leader Medgar Evans. What you get instead is the story of the impact that ...Okay Movie James Woods Was Entertaining - Delacroix
The movie was good and entertaining enough to watch but it was predictable which seems hard not be for the type of film. No surprises but a good story. James Woods was excellent in that role. Probably his best performance ever. Baldwin and Whoopi were good ...Third Time Lucky - newdaysof
This film is an interesting dramatization of the events that took place in the 60's surrounding the assassination of a black civil rights worker and the follow up trial 27 years later. It clearly shows the deep racism that existed in Mississippi and that still ...