A Time To Kill [DVD] [1996]

This film had all the hallmarks for success, John Grisham, the writer of the book, that this film stems from is indeed a lawyer. He was born in the neighbouring Arkansas and went to Mississippi University. With that pedigree and this this all-star cast it was never going to fail. This is the classical `Deep South' story though it is post Jim Crow era.One of the great `black' injustices of our time was carried out in Mississippi - the death of 14 year old Emmett Till, by two `whites' who were acquitted , though clearly guilty.Here Matthew Mc Courtney (Jake Brigance) takes on the role of an Atticus Finch of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'He's young, has principles and just like Atticus the world is against him for standing up for what he believes is right, even if legally and locally, he's on very shakey ground?He's clearly made of stern stuff. He's broke, his family and friends are intimidated, his house is burnt down , they even try to assassinate him, but possibly his greatest virtue is that he refuses through all of this to have an affair with his new assistant Ellen Roark ( Sandra Bullock). I'll tell you what, his wife's got a good un there for sure!Samuel L Jackson is excellent as Carl Lee and it's his savvy that Jake latches onto to fight the good fight. Keven Spacey's role is perfect for him as the overly confident and totally smug Rufus Buckley. Bullock fits in perfectly and a word also for Patrick McGoohan (Omar Noose) who was just outstanding as the nasty, racist judge who gave the young Jake absolutely no encouragement at all.If you like films about the `Deep South' then this has to be on your watch list.I'm giving this 5 stars, as even though I found it a bit flowery in places, it does have everything that a top film should have and holds your attention all the way over the full two and a half hours. I have the Bluray version which is just wonderful as adds greatly to the overall pleasure of this top film.

I bought this DVD for my son as he has been studying racism at school and they were watching this as part of the course but he missed the end as he was absent. I had already seen the film several times but still sat and watched it yet again with him. It's one of those films that never gets boring no matter how often you watch it. It never fails to bring a tear to my eye when Matthew McConaughey is giving his closing speech at the trial.An extremely powerful film which is certainly helped by the superb acting from the entire cast. Although Samuel L Jackson's character killed 2 men in cold blood, you can't help but have extreme sympathy for him and find yourself full of admiration for having the courage to get 'justice' for his daughter as he knew the courts wouldn't give it.However, the film is not as good as the book (which I have also read several times), and does differ from it in parts, but that is usually the case and it doesn't stop it being an excellent film.

Is a 1996 American legal drama film based on John Grisham's 1989 novel of the same name Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey, and Kevin Spacey star with Donald and Kiefer Sutherland appearing in supporting roles The film received mixed reviews but was a commercial success, making $152 million at the worldwide box office. It is the second of two films based on Grisham's novels directed by Joel Schumacher, with the other being The Client released two years priorOne of many courtroom films released during the late 90s. This one stands out as one of the highlights with the cast putting in a top performance with the stand out being Samual L Jackson in one of his early roles.

This is an all time favourite film. A Time to Kill blurs the line between what is more morally wrong and takes on the big issue of racial divides. The acting is very underplayed and therefore very believable. Matthew is the man who's on screen for most of the film and you really feel for him as he struggles to fight Samuel L Jackson's case. Kevin Spacey too deserves a mention for although he's not on screen for a massive amount of time, you really end up hating his character!The only strange thing with this DVD is that it's split the film in half and is a double sided feature despite only being 2 hours 20 minutes long. It makes no sense to me to do that as it interrupts the flow.Apart from that though, flawless.

What a fabulous film.Brilliant acting from all and unsettling [to say the least] that such incidents really did happen-----and worse.I am sure most people know the story but just in case-----a man kills two local yobs who have brutally assaulted his 10yr old daughter and he is put on trial for murder.There is a lot more wrangling between the inexperienced defence lawyer[Matthew McConaughy] and the deeply experienced prosecution[ Kevin Spacey].Very unsettling to see how pally the prosecution and the judge are, leaving defence lawyer a little suspicious.The film is brilliantly acted and well worth watching if only for the fantastic, thought-provoking speech by the defence lawyer at the end.Absolutely worth watching----we had seen it before and will probably watch again in the future--------thoroughly recommended.+++++

The DVD started at least 15mins in!

I wasn't expecting this film to be anything special, but the reviews interested me. To be honest I felt it may be worth watching because Sandra BULLOCH (an Actress I rate) was in it. She only had a minor supporting role, but acted it very well. The main character also acted very well, but the most gripping feature for me was the storyline. The film started out quite violent, and after that I expected a normal courtroom drama. That is not what happened. Events started to challenge my views on ethnic integration right from the very beginning, but gently and without me realising it until the end scene. Well worth the price, and I have watched it several times now.

Powerful film. Good story. Well acted. Recommended.