... and wonders why this didn't get nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, especially as Michael B. Jordan gives us a searing performance as a man intent on getting justice. An inspiration to us all and for always.
489 Reviews
Totally shocking !
Lewis_Heather7871 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I went into this film with no expectations at all, didn't even really know what the film was about, just saw the really exciting cast and I was in. Nothing would have prepared me for the totally shocking.....True Story......that was told in this film, it has stayed with me ever since I watched it.
I'm not sure I know enough words in the English dictionary to describe the total disbelief in the whole story and journey of Walter McMillian and Bryan Stevenson played by Jamie Foxx and Michael B Jordan respectively. Needless to say that I had never heard of the central case of this film involving Mr McMillian nor the incredible work of Mr Stevenson and his organisation. I think it definitely benefited my viewing experience because I really had no idea what was going to happen.
Wow what an emotional roller coaster in many respects. I have complete and utter disgust with the pathetic case that was brought against Walter McMillian in the first place...........basically the police needed to desperately catch someone so they intimidated another death row inmate to testify against an innocent man, so he could get a reduced sentence. Then there is the small fact of not using the witness accounts of black people who would prove Mr McMillian's innocence.........nor have any black people on the jury??!?!?!?
Then there is the other side of the emotion.............from disgust and almost anger, to just outright sadness...........this film is deeply horrifying and sad due to the nature of the subject matter...........the scene when Herbert Richardson gets executed, is a huge emotional punch to the gut..........it must also be said that the end credits are also just as educationally horrifying.............thankfully there are some silver linings!!
All of this going through my head is obviously due to the film being good........oh yeah did I not mention that..............why is the Imdb score so low???? The directing is solid but nothing mind blowing........it didn't need to be!!! The acting in this film is what just adds that extra special touch to elevate the film from good to great, for me!! Michael B Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson all of whom are just great in the film..............no more to say!!!!!
Overall I am just shocked by the story, it took my breath away!! Being from the UK where the death penalty has not been accepted for quite some time..........it is completely dumfounding why its still used and accepted in the US?!?! Yeah those statistics at the end is almost vomit inducing. 80% out of 100 its a very good film highly recommend.............people need to hear this story, peoples eyes need to be opened.
I'm not sure I know enough words in the English dictionary to describe the total disbelief in the whole story and journey of Walter McMillian and Bryan Stevenson played by Jamie Foxx and Michael B Jordan respectively. Needless to say that I had never heard of the central case of this film involving Mr McMillian nor the incredible work of Mr Stevenson and his organisation. I think it definitely benefited my viewing experience because I really had no idea what was going to happen.
Wow what an emotional roller coaster in many respects. I have complete and utter disgust with the pathetic case that was brought against Walter McMillian in the first place...........basically the police needed to desperately catch someone so they intimidated another death row inmate to testify against an innocent man, so he could get a reduced sentence. Then there is the small fact of not using the witness accounts of black people who would prove Mr McMillian's innocence.........nor have any black people on the jury??!?!?!?
Then there is the other side of the emotion.............from disgust and almost anger, to just outright sadness...........this film is deeply horrifying and sad due to the nature of the subject matter...........the scene when Herbert Richardson gets executed, is a huge emotional punch to the gut..........it must also be said that the end credits are also just as educationally horrifying.............thankfully there are some silver linings!!
All of this going through my head is obviously due to the film being good........oh yeah did I not mention that..............why is the Imdb score so low???? The directing is solid but nothing mind blowing........it didn't need to be!!! The acting in this film is what just adds that extra special touch to elevate the film from good to great, for me!! Michael B Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson all of whom are just great in the film..............no more to say!!!!!
Overall I am just shocked by the story, it took my breath away!! Being from the UK where the death penalty has not been accepted for quite some time..........it is completely dumfounding why its still used and accepted in the US?!?! Yeah those statistics at the end is almost vomit inducing. 80% out of 100 its a very good film highly recommend.............people need to hear this story, peoples eyes need to be opened.
Flawed but great, Just Mercy is a must watch for the true story it's telling
Holt3448 March 2022
Just Mercy is a biographical legal drama co-written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The film is based on Stevenson's 2014 eponymous memoir, in which he explored his journey to making his life's work the defense of African American prisoners. Michael B. Jordan plays Bryan Stevenson with Jamie Foxx joining him as Walter McMillian. The supporting cast has well known actors like Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, Brie Larson, Rafe Spall and O'Shea Jackson Jr. Jamie Foxx was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role at the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards. Both he and Michael B. Jordan won NAACP Image Awards for their respective roles. Both of them brought brilliant performances and did the people and the true story justice.
Just Mercy is about the world-renowned civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson who works to free wrongly condemned death row prisoners, among these is Walter "Johnny D." McMillian, an African-American man who was convicted of the 1986 murder of Ronda Morrison, an 18 year old white girl.
That's what Just Mercy is about and it's overall a great film, but most importantly an important story that was needed to be told. I also think the film is well shot and Destin Daniel Cretton's direction is excellent. The characters are distinct from each other and the actors playing them does an excellent job, mannerisms and accents, list goes on in how great they're. Strong dialogue to well written characters, just how it should be. But though the narrative and acting is great and often very memorable, the length is too long and the plot predictable and not as compelling as I had initially thought. But the message it's telling justifies the flaws, overall, Just Mercy is an amazing movie that needs to be seen at least once. I think it had the potential to be greater than it ended up being.
Just Mercy is about the world-renowned civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson who works to free wrongly condemned death row prisoners, among these is Walter "Johnny D." McMillian, an African-American man who was convicted of the 1986 murder of Ronda Morrison, an 18 year old white girl.
That's what Just Mercy is about and it's overall a great film, but most importantly an important story that was needed to be told. I also think the film is well shot and Destin Daniel Cretton's direction is excellent. The characters are distinct from each other and the actors playing them does an excellent job, mannerisms and accents, list goes on in how great they're. Strong dialogue to well written characters, just how it should be. But though the narrative and acting is great and often very memorable, the length is too long and the plot predictable and not as compelling as I had initially thought. But the message it's telling justifies the flaws, overall, Just Mercy is an amazing movie that needs to be seen at least once. I think it had the potential to be greater than it ended up being.
Justice
toneybrooks200310 May 2020
I was born and raised in Alabama. I left the state in 1966 for the Army and Vietnam. The facts of this true story sicken me, they embarrass me and they anger me.
Whether it's Walter McMillian in the 1990's Alabama or General Michael Flynn today, miscarriages of Justice and the blatant abuse of power have no place in a civilized society. Perhaps this film will make this clear to those who have difficulty grasping that simple concept.
Whether it's Walter McMillian in the 1990's Alabama or General Michael Flynn today, miscarriages of Justice and the blatant abuse of power have no place in a civilized society. Perhaps this film will make this clear to those who have difficulty grasping that simple concept.
Take some of the very negative scores with a grain of salt....the film is amazing.
planktonrules22 October 2019
I saw "Just Mercy" a few days ago at the Philadelphia Film Festival and was blown away by the film....and I consider it to be one of the best movies I've seen in recent years. I could easily see the picture receiving several Oscar nominations---especially for acting. Imagine my suprise when I looked on IMDB and saw a score of 5.6 and some negative reviews! I am not exactly sure what this is all about and perhaps it's because there are some angry pro-capital punishment folks or some who simply hate a film with a mostly black cast. All I know is that the film is a quality production and kept my interest throughout.
The story is based on the work of Bryan Stevenson, a Harvard graduate who chose to move to Alabama and work for a small salary to help examine the convictions of men on death row...men who in some cases were not guilty at all. How could anyone NOT applaud this sort of thing?!
Overall, a brilliantly written film that made me sad and angry....and I love when a film effects me that way. The acting was top-notch, the story magnificent and the writing amazing. Just ignore all the negativity and see this one....you'll be happy you did. As for me, I'd consider this perhaps the best American film of the decade...it's THAT good.
The story is based on the work of Bryan Stevenson, a Harvard graduate who chose to move to Alabama and work for a small salary to help examine the convictions of men on death row...men who in some cases were not guilty at all. How could anyone NOT applaud this sort of thing?!
Overall, a brilliantly written film that made me sad and angry....and I love when a film effects me that way. The acting was top-notch, the story magnificent and the writing amazing. Just ignore all the negativity and see this one....you'll be happy you did. As for me, I'd consider this perhaps the best American film of the decade...it's THAT good.
Great movie wonderful story!!
0U18 March 2020
Was so hard to watch the police chief and the DA assume that just because you r black u r guilty. Was so impressed by the young black attorney--his drive even though he was subjected to brutality himself. Makes u look at death row in a very different light to be sure that those whom r there r truly guilty. Highly recommend this movie.
Too mild a way of storytelling for that kind of plot
muratmihcioglu5 January 2022
I enjoyed the movie and have no problems whatsoever with regards to being entertained while discovering a notable take on recent misjudgments from the history of the Deep South.
There is nothing substandard here. Proper screenwriting, fine acting, fairly delivered social commentary.
But also, there is nothing new. Every single aspect of this film had already made its way into cinema, and with even sharper tones. To Kill A Mockingbird (which is cited many times in the movie itself) aside, we got The Green Mile as an unforgettable fiction on racism-infused violations of lives and the horros of murder-by-state, a.k.a. Capital punishment. We saw Dead Man Walking, we saw Monsters' Ball. We not only know well the pillars on which this film was erected, but we also literally witnessed cinematic greatness thanks to several scenes that covered the transformations of people who in one way or another took part in or witnessed prison executions.
I'm not arguing that this story was not worth being told on the screen. What I don't get is why they shot it almost like a high quality TV movie, and never bothered come up with edgier moments.
I have this gut feeling that, those who are impressed by this movie have missed out on almost a dozen high-caliber, tough-to-swallow, groundbraking movies from the past decades.
Not a 6, not an 8, a solid and straight 7. That's it.
There is nothing substandard here. Proper screenwriting, fine acting, fairly delivered social commentary.
But also, there is nothing new. Every single aspect of this film had already made its way into cinema, and with even sharper tones. To Kill A Mockingbird (which is cited many times in the movie itself) aside, we got The Green Mile as an unforgettable fiction on racism-infused violations of lives and the horros of murder-by-state, a.k.a. Capital punishment. We saw Dead Man Walking, we saw Monsters' Ball. We not only know well the pillars on which this film was erected, but we also literally witnessed cinematic greatness thanks to several scenes that covered the transformations of people who in one way or another took part in or witnessed prison executions.
I'm not arguing that this story was not worth being told on the screen. What I don't get is why they shot it almost like a high quality TV movie, and never bothered come up with edgier moments.
I have this gut feeling that, those who are impressed by this movie have missed out on almost a dozen high-caliber, tough-to-swallow, groundbraking movies from the past decades.
Not a 6, not an 8, a solid and straight 7. That's it.
MOVING
annetle4 June 2020
This movie had me in tears and is so relevant now. The ending message is so important at a time like this. The acting was phenomenal. I have not read the book, so am unable to compare the two. Jamie Foxx's acting was incredible. Do not pay attention to the reviews which say no new storyline or nothing groundbreaking. The racism and flaws prevalent in our criminal justice system deserve to be highlighted and emphasized time and time again. The characters in this movie are REAL people and that makes it all the more heart wrenching and impactful.
Promising Premise - Well executed, with minor flaws
FilmFlowCritics9 October 2019
This fantastic and gripping real story is made for the cinema! I wasn't aware of this great and inspiring person and I am glad this movie introduced me to him and his life story!
While this story is mixes a lot of ups and downs, you can still feel dread at times. This all though builds up to an extend that rewards you and the director is able to get that feeling of relief, camaraderie and courage transported to YOU in the audience, no matter if you are black or white.
The end credits will give you goosebumps, with the expected real life footage that reminds you again, that most of what you've seen in the last 2 hours, really happened to people. This is exactly the thought you should leave the cinema with. Sometimes, it only takes one kind person to have a huge impact!
While this story is mixes a lot of ups and downs, you can still feel dread at times. This all though builds up to an extend that rewards you and the director is able to get that feeling of relief, camaraderie and courage transported to YOU in the audience, no matter if you are black or white.
The end credits will give you goosebumps, with the expected real life footage that reminds you again, that most of what you've seen in the last 2 hours, really happened to people. This is exactly the thought you should leave the cinema with. Sometimes, it only takes one kind person to have a huge impact!
An important story, well told
cliftonofun26 January 2020
First things first: I love this book, and I love Bryan Stevenson. So I was not walking into this film cold. In fact, I found myself wondering how they could possibly adapt a memoir that transcends many years and cases without becoming a confusing legal mashup with way too much talking. The good news is that the filmmakers brilliantly adapted the story: they zero in on a few key cases and the initial years of the Equal Justice Initiative, which provides a meaningful beginning/middle/end. They also got amazing performances from everyone involved, most notably Jordan and Fox. In short, it works better than I expected. That said, they still fell into the trap of characters providing exposition via dialogue and the story feeling a bit too much like previous legal dramas - earnest young lawyer, suspicious community, triumphant verdict (and some familiar Hollywood approaches to race, as well). Here's the thing, though: this story is actually true. Between that knowledge and the performances, I found myself pretty emotionally impacted, even if there were some flaws. I also got to see the way my 10 year old daughter reacted to the story, which reminded me that we need WAY more stories like this about people who are making the world a better place, one day at a time.
Just Mercy - Corrupt and unequal justice system to the poor and minorities
brankovranjkovic22 January 2020
Intense courtroom drama based on actual events and based on the book by the same name, about a trainee lawyer who moves to Alabama to devote his career to defending the unfortunate community, the people who were not able to afforded appropriate defence (these were mostly black).
His first case was that of Walter McMillian, who was sentenced to death for the murder of a white woman. However, all the evidence showed that he was innocent, and it was more suspicious that the only testimony against him came from another criminal who was also on death row.
This film shows how corrupt the justice system can be, the poor and minorities are too often not treated equally. The post credit scenes tell you what happened to each of the people featured.
Highly recommended.
His first case was that of Walter McMillian, who was sentenced to death for the murder of a white woman. However, all the evidence showed that he was innocent, and it was more suspicious that the only testimony against him came from another criminal who was also on death row.
This film shows how corrupt the justice system can be, the poor and minorities are too often not treated equally. The post credit scenes tell you what happened to each of the people featured.
Highly recommended.
Powerful Story but Movie Falls a bit Flat
Jared_Andrews10 July 2020
With source material (based on a true story) this compelling, a cast this littered with star power and legitimate award-winning talent, and a respected director (who directed "Short Term 12"), this movie should be been an unstoppable smashing success. It should have been GREAT. It should have won Oscars. But it didn't. It didn't because something is missing.
What exactly is missing is a bit hard to put a finger on. For some reason or another, the movie simply misses the mark. Part of the explanation involves the approach the film takes. Filmmakers clearly had seen other successful true stories that let the events speak loudly rather than attempt to falsely drum up intensity. They trusted that the story would be enough. And it is unquestionably an engrossing story, but that does not necessarily mean the movie will reach the heights that it should. Ultimately, the miscalculations of tone and lack of a visceral kick lead to the movie falling a notch below understated and landing somewhere in the dull zone.
I love Michael B. Jordan. He's one of the most talented actors of his generation and has been one of my favorites for the past decade. That's why I was disappointed by his performance here. He's a bit flat. In all the scenes featuring lingering shots of his face as he smolders with anger and sadness, I see very little depth. These sorts of shots appear in the film many times, and each time I kept searching for the layers of emotion in eyes and on his face, only to realize that there isn't much there. His emoting contrasts greatly with the instances when Jamie Fox and Rob Morgan have their opportunities. The deliver an emotional wallop whenever given the chance. Their towering displays make it all the more obvious that Jordan did not perform on their level in this movie.
It pains me to type this. I know in my heart that Michael B. Jordan will once again reach his top form in one of his upcoming movies. He's far too talented not to do so.
Overall, the movie needed a little bit more. The dialogue needed to be a bit sharper, for one. The story building also left a bit to be desired. In no way am I suggested that this is a bad movie - it's not. Actually, it's a pretty good one. Unfortunately, it had the potential to be so much more.
What exactly is missing is a bit hard to put a finger on. For some reason or another, the movie simply misses the mark. Part of the explanation involves the approach the film takes. Filmmakers clearly had seen other successful true stories that let the events speak loudly rather than attempt to falsely drum up intensity. They trusted that the story would be enough. And it is unquestionably an engrossing story, but that does not necessarily mean the movie will reach the heights that it should. Ultimately, the miscalculations of tone and lack of a visceral kick lead to the movie falling a notch below understated and landing somewhere in the dull zone.
I love Michael B. Jordan. He's one of the most talented actors of his generation and has been one of my favorites for the past decade. That's why I was disappointed by his performance here. He's a bit flat. In all the scenes featuring lingering shots of his face as he smolders with anger and sadness, I see very little depth. These sorts of shots appear in the film many times, and each time I kept searching for the layers of emotion in eyes and on his face, only to realize that there isn't much there. His emoting contrasts greatly with the instances when Jamie Fox and Rob Morgan have their opportunities. The deliver an emotional wallop whenever given the chance. Their towering displays make it all the more obvious that Jordan did not perform on their level in this movie.
It pains me to type this. I know in my heart that Michael B. Jordan will once again reach his top form in one of his upcoming movies. He's far too talented not to do so.
Overall, the movie needed a little bit more. The dialogue needed to be a bit sharper, for one. The story building also left a bit to be desired. In no way am I suggested that this is a bad movie - it's not. Actually, it's a pretty good one. Unfortunately, it had the potential to be so much more.
Read the book: the movie does not do justice to how deeply awful the true story is.
gravegauze19 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I came away disappointed by the film adaptation of Just Mercy. This is probably a given, but the film adaptation is very overly-dramatized, and not completely true to the story. While this is expected, I find it in this case to be in somewhat poor taste considering everything is a portrayal of real-life people and real-life events.
Having read the book, you would see that the racism that actually took place was seriously watered down for the film adaptation. The film also touches on things from the book briefly but not enough to give you the entire picture or depth of the situation. For example, the film also briefly follows Herb, who is being executed for murdering a girl. While the film touches on his PTSD and having been a veteran, and "making a bomb", the film doesn't explain, like the book did, that it was illegal for the state of Alabama to execute Herb because he had no intention of killing anyone (he made the bomb as part of a convoluted plan to "rescue" his old girlfriend and win her back, but instead the bomb killed her young daughter). The state of Alabama executed him anyway after Stevenson's last minute appeal because it was "too late".
In the movie, Herb also has "no family" and gives his flag to Stevenson. In real life, he was surrounded by family, including a new partner who refused to give him up when he had to be taken away to be executed (by the way, his execution in the film is just a simple "thud").
I also found Jamie Foxx's portrayal of Walter McMillian to be wildly inaccurate. In the movie, he blows up upon first meeting Stevenson, and comes off as someone who is nonchalant about life at Holman Correctional Facility and knows everything about the decorum there. He even refuses Stevenson's services at first. In real life, Walter was traumatized by the conditions at Holman and during his case was desperately seeking Stevenson's attention over that of his fellow inmates.
There are several critiques I have for the film, but I don't want to spoil the central story. I strongly recommend you read the book instead, because you will walk away from it with a much more thorough understanding of our criminal justice system and what's really going on in America.
Having read the book, you would see that the racism that actually took place was seriously watered down for the film adaptation. The film also touches on things from the book briefly but not enough to give you the entire picture or depth of the situation. For example, the film also briefly follows Herb, who is being executed for murdering a girl. While the film touches on his PTSD and having been a veteran, and "making a bomb", the film doesn't explain, like the book did, that it was illegal for the state of Alabama to execute Herb because he had no intention of killing anyone (he made the bomb as part of a convoluted plan to "rescue" his old girlfriend and win her back, but instead the bomb killed her young daughter). The state of Alabama executed him anyway after Stevenson's last minute appeal because it was "too late".
In the movie, Herb also has "no family" and gives his flag to Stevenson. In real life, he was surrounded by family, including a new partner who refused to give him up when he had to be taken away to be executed (by the way, his execution in the film is just a simple "thud").
I also found Jamie Foxx's portrayal of Walter McMillian to be wildly inaccurate. In the movie, he blows up upon first meeting Stevenson, and comes off as someone who is nonchalant about life at Holman Correctional Facility and knows everything about the decorum there. He even refuses Stevenson's services at first. In real life, Walter was traumatized by the conditions at Holman and during his case was desperately seeking Stevenson's attention over that of his fellow inmates.
There are several critiques I have for the film, but I don't want to spoil the central story. I strongly recommend you read the book instead, because you will walk away from it with a much more thorough understanding of our criminal justice system and what's really going on in America.
Tear jerking
Gordon-1113 March 2020
Extremely moving, powerful.
emiliecunning-210945 October 2019
An important film for our times about racial injustice and the cruelty that is the US criminal justice system. Very moving and powerful. Wonderful performances from the two main leads - Jordan and Foxx, with strong supporting performances from Brie Larson and Rafe Spall. Recommend to anyone who wants to become a lawyer or is just interested in US politics and history.
A must-see
spotsandstripes-7286118 January 2020
This is such an important and beautiful film. Performances from the main cast were without a doubt oscar-worthy. The story was told so diligently, I have so much respect for the incredible individuals working at EJI. It's a hard-hitting film but definitely worth the watch.
Solid performances and a competent screenplay keep you engaged
Albino_Hyena30 December 2019
If I was to list this film's greatest strength, that would be its ability to pull you into the characters' situation and feel their sense of frustration at the injustice they face. The film opens with one man being aggressively arrested for a crime he didn't commit, then transitions to a young student visiting prison for the first time, where he meets a peer who turns out to be more relatable than expected. From there, the audience sees how these men are driven, what they're fighting for, and how it effects their lives as well as the community around them.
Michael B Jordan, as usual, was fantastic. He did a great job portraying this young idealist who, despite being Harvard educated and possessing solid evidence, finds himself unable to make the difference he originally thought he could. Jamie Foxx's performance was also great; he displayed genuine vulnerability and emotion as this embittered, beaten-down (but still somewhat hopeful) man in a cruel world.
I had no issues with the technical aspects of this movie; they didn't do anything special nor did they do anything wrong. This being a legal drama, the script might feel a bit predictable to some, and some of the dialog/speeches seemed a bit too grandiose for real life. There are a few scenes, especially the two montages set to music, that felt a bit cliched, but this movie also has two particular sequences (which I won't spoil here) in the second half that are very effective and powerful.
Overall, this is a well-made and well-acted movie adapted from a pretty important true story, so I would recommend it to anyone interested in criminal justice or simply anyone who enjoys cinema made with a purpose. *P.S, don't watch the full trailer; it showed way too much from the third act of the movie. I don't count that against the film itself, as the marketing team is separate from the cast and crew, but I just wanted to warn people.
Michael B Jordan, as usual, was fantastic. He did a great job portraying this young idealist who, despite being Harvard educated and possessing solid evidence, finds himself unable to make the difference he originally thought he could. Jamie Foxx's performance was also great; he displayed genuine vulnerability and emotion as this embittered, beaten-down (but still somewhat hopeful) man in a cruel world.
I had no issues with the technical aspects of this movie; they didn't do anything special nor did they do anything wrong. This being a legal drama, the script might feel a bit predictable to some, and some of the dialog/speeches seemed a bit too grandiose for real life. There are a few scenes, especially the two montages set to music, that felt a bit cliched, but this movie also has two particular sequences (which I won't spoil here) in the second half that are very effective and powerful.
Overall, this is a well-made and well-acted movie adapted from a pretty important true story, so I would recommend it to anyone interested in criminal justice or simply anyone who enjoys cinema made with a purpose. *P.S, don't watch the full trailer; it showed way too much from the third act of the movie. I don't count that against the film itself, as the marketing team is separate from the cast and crew, but I just wanted to warn people.
Emotional Roller Coaster
lukyboy112 January 2020
Phenomenal job by Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Foxx. Sad to see that we are still seeing this type of injustice. The only way this will be minimize is by educating ourselves and becoming lawyers, judges, politicians that will truly make a difference. Watching this movie most likely will make you angry, and emotional. We just need to better ourselves to make a difference in our communities.
Solid True Story Drama; No New Cinematic Ground Broken
zkonedog5 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It's a bit difficult to judge a film like "Just Mercy". On one hand, it tells a true story that deserves to be told. On the other hand, it breaks no new cinematic ground in doing so and as such may come off as a bit "on the nose" for more ardent movie fans.
For a very basic overview, this film tells the story of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), a man on death row in Alabama awaiting his execution date. One day, recently-graduated Harvard lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) arrives in the Deep South with hopes of setting up an institution to help such individuals. Stevenson immediately concludes--via a lack of hard evidence and flimsy eyewitness testimony--that McMillian is assuredly innocent, and thus begins a campaign to free him from his death sentence.
There are a good amount of positives in "Just Mercy", with the overall story itself being the largest and most worthwhile. Basically, this is a story of injustice towards the black community of Mobile, Alabama. While McMillian is eventually freed, the fact that it takes such a herculean effort is the film's proof of institutional racism.
One scene in particular also stands out, in which an inmate not as fortunate as McMillian is escorted to the electric chair chamber and put to death. This is perhaps the most harrowing depiction of that process I have ever seen put to film. One of the few truly visceral moments in the viewing experience.
Of course, therein lies the biggest "problem" with "Just Mercy": it's exactly the type of movie you think it is. Institutional police and community racism from the white community towards the black community. There are no wrinkles, no surprises, simply that and only that. From a strictly human-interest perspective, one probably shouldn't need anything further to justify a film's existence or overall quality. From a cinematic perspective, though, it's a story that has been told numerous times over the past decade or so. So for anyone looking for new themes or takes in their film-watching experience, they may be a little disappointed here.
Overall, I think one's ranking of "Just Mercy" comes down to why they watch movies in the first place and where one might be on that journey. If the goal is to be challenged in some way, or consider something from a new vantage point, this one may leave something to be desired (if still being "solid" in a filmmaking sense). If simply taking the themes and characters at face value and not trying to dissect the overall experience, one will probably bump the star rating a few higher than myself. It just depends on personal viewing tendencies.
For a very basic overview, this film tells the story of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), a man on death row in Alabama awaiting his execution date. One day, recently-graduated Harvard lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) arrives in the Deep South with hopes of setting up an institution to help such individuals. Stevenson immediately concludes--via a lack of hard evidence and flimsy eyewitness testimony--that McMillian is assuredly innocent, and thus begins a campaign to free him from his death sentence.
There are a good amount of positives in "Just Mercy", with the overall story itself being the largest and most worthwhile. Basically, this is a story of injustice towards the black community of Mobile, Alabama. While McMillian is eventually freed, the fact that it takes such a herculean effort is the film's proof of institutional racism.
One scene in particular also stands out, in which an inmate not as fortunate as McMillian is escorted to the electric chair chamber and put to death. This is perhaps the most harrowing depiction of that process I have ever seen put to film. One of the few truly visceral moments in the viewing experience.
Of course, therein lies the biggest "problem" with "Just Mercy": it's exactly the type of movie you think it is. Institutional police and community racism from the white community towards the black community. There are no wrinkles, no surprises, simply that and only that. From a strictly human-interest perspective, one probably shouldn't need anything further to justify a film's existence or overall quality. From a cinematic perspective, though, it's a story that has been told numerous times over the past decade or so. So for anyone looking for new themes or takes in their film-watching experience, they may be a little disappointed here.
Overall, I think one's ranking of "Just Mercy" comes down to why they watch movies in the first place and where one might be on that journey. If the goal is to be challenged in some way, or consider something from a new vantage point, this one may leave something to be desired (if still being "solid" in a filmmaking sense). If simply taking the themes and characters at face value and not trying to dissect the overall experience, one will probably bump the star rating a few higher than myself. It just depends on personal viewing tendencies.
Impressive
girlwriter-995-7294017 February 2020
You have seen that movie but it will still move you
PaxtonMalloy3 May 2020
First of let me get two things out of the way. There can never be enough movies against the death penalty. There can never be enough movies against racism. That being said you have already seen that movie and not just once. So from a story and directorial perspective there isn't really anything new. It will go to all of the usual steps that this subgenre has presented before. But even though it is always great when you put a new twist or perspective on something there is still nothing wrong presenting a story that is worth telling in a way that has to be proven successful. You will still be moved and there is particular one barbaric scene that will grab you but see for yourself.
I have been a fan of MIchael B. Jordan since his "Friday Night Lights" Days and even from "The Wire". He is good here but I noticed a familiar pattern here. He likes to act very small. He delivers emotions mostly through his eyes and that makes his acting feel a little stoic a little wooden at times because there is no body language, always keeping his very straight posture. But I have no doubt he will get his academy award some day. Brie Larson I don't know what went wrong here. She is given nothing. She doesn't really get a character and is basically just there to give files to Michael B. Jordan and give a quick pep talk. Jamie Foxx is really good in his role but neither him nor Jordan are the standouts here. Rob Morgan and Tim Blake Nelson deliver exceptional performances . There parts are small but they make the most of it. So if you want so see something that has worked before go see a pretty solid movie. If you are looking for something new, something innovative this is not the movie for you.
I have been a fan of MIchael B. Jordan since his "Friday Night Lights" Days and even from "The Wire". He is good here but I noticed a familiar pattern here. He likes to act very small. He delivers emotions mostly through his eyes and that makes his acting feel a little stoic a little wooden at times because there is no body language, always keeping his very straight posture. But I have no doubt he will get his academy award some day. Brie Larson I don't know what went wrong here. She is given nothing. She doesn't really get a character and is basically just there to give files to Michael B. Jordan and give a quick pep talk. Jamie Foxx is really good in his role but neither him nor Jordan are the standouts here. Rob Morgan and Tim Blake Nelson deliver exceptional performances . There parts are small but they make the most of it. So if you want so see something that has worked before go see a pretty solid movie. If you are looking for something new, something innovative this is not the movie for you.
A Test of Emotional Endurance
view_and_review16 January 2020
"Just Mercy" is one of those rare movies for me where I actually read the book before seeing the movie. The book is absolutely incredible and my only hope was that the movie would do the book justice--and by extension of that, do Bryan Stevenson justice. The book "Just Mercy" is essentially a memoir from Bryan Stevenson about his life, post Harvard, aiding death row inmates in the South. He spends the bulk of the book on the specific case of Walter McMillian and his efforts to get him not only removed from death row, but to get him exonerated completely.
This movie will drag you down to the depths. It is not a movie that you plop down and watch, you have to mentally prepare yourself for the emotional toll that your psyche will take. "Just Mercy" mercilessly assaults your emotional cavity. It tests your emotional endurance. It will take you to the brink, and for some it will take them past the brink. At one point someone in the theater shouted, "---- you!" to the screen. I had no complaints because he only said what I was feeling.
After dragging its audience to the depths of anger, despair, and sadness it snaps them back with equal and opposite force. The pure unbridled elation that hits you is just as uncontainable as the anger and sadness moments before. I found myself in tears three times which for me has to be some kind of record.
This may all sound like a warning and it is to some degree. This is not a warning for you to avoid the movie, please go, it is a warning to bring your emotional shield, because should you go in there bare and uncovered it will rip your heart out before you finish the movie.
This movie will drag you down to the depths. It is not a movie that you plop down and watch, you have to mentally prepare yourself for the emotional toll that your psyche will take. "Just Mercy" mercilessly assaults your emotional cavity. It tests your emotional endurance. It will take you to the brink, and for some it will take them past the brink. At one point someone in the theater shouted, "---- you!" to the screen. I had no complaints because he only said what I was feeling.
After dragging its audience to the depths of anger, despair, and sadness it snaps them back with equal and opposite force. The pure unbridled elation that hits you is just as uncontainable as the anger and sadness moments before. I found myself in tears three times which for me has to be some kind of record.
This may all sound like a warning and it is to some degree. This is not a warning for you to avoid the movie, please go, it is a warning to bring your emotional shield, because should you go in there bare and uncovered it will rip your heart out before you finish the movie.
Despite a predictable script and uninspired directing, only one performer rises to the occasion
jpaikster17 February 2020
Tim Blake Nelson is the almost-hidden-gem in this otherwise by-the-numbers film. His authentic and subtle portrayal of Ralph Meyer was a joy to watch. In every scene he gives us the raw and nuanced performance of a man beaten down since childhood. If only his fellow actors had brought the same intensity to the screen: it would have helped this film rise above its earnest but often superficial take on its core theme.
interesting story with too much fiction
edjas24 January 2020
Seeing the movie and then reading about the actual events was a stark contrast.exaggeration after exaggeration was in the movie. I really hate that! Why can t the story be truthful to the facts! It would still be a powerful story because it was factual. The movie as made is false in many ways which i will refrain from detailing except for one point which is the current prosecutor immediately recognized the injustice and did not pursue a retrial. a very interesting story of a true case with false dialogue and inaccuracies. this is what Hollywood does too often. I suppose one more point ,his alibi about being at a fish fry was not something new as presented in the movie but was in his trial and rejected. why can t they make a movie based on the facts!!!
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