A Time to Kill (DVD, 1997)

John Grisham is a master of plot writing. His first book, "A Time To Kill" is often confused as his second, because "The Firm" was such a hit. As a result, "a Time To Kill" is a completely different story than we are used to. A cast of outstanding actors leads this story of racial hatred in Mississippi during the trial of a black father who turns vigilante after several drunken teenagers rape and nearly kill his nine year old daughter. The man waits for them in a closet in the court house and guns them down, rendering a police officer crippled for life.

The remainder of the film is about the trial and though Akiva Goldsman, screenwriter, doesn't offer his own opinion regarding what is right or wrong, it's impossible not to feel the personal tug one feels as we imagine what we'd do if our own daughter was dammaged for life in the way that this girl was. In this way, there's a hint of "Sophie's Choice" in this. Killing is wrong. Vigilante action is illegal. But human emotion and the love for a daughter is very strong.,

The filmn is very good, sloppy at times in regard to editing but brilliantly acted (Samuel Jackson deserved an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the father on trial.) Bullock and Spacey have won oscars and been glorified for all of their work; Matthew McConaughey is brilliant in this film and some other parts suh as this one will show his glean.

The film is moving, well acte and very well directed. The adaptation of the book to screenplay is brilliant-just enough of the hatred and violence to capture the essence without shocking us as the book does.

The film is well worth it.

This is an excellent story with excellent actors All the main actors were at their best. M. McConaughey as the defense attorney was excellent. Susan Bullock did an outstanding job as did Kevin Stacey and Sam Jackson. A small Mississippi town brings to a head it's racial prejudice against a black man who kills (in broad daylight ) the two men who raped and almost killed his ten year old girl. The KKK, the NAACP and outraged townspeople bring mayhem to a quiet town. But McConaughey with his supporting cast of Susan Bullock,Donald Sutherland and others combine to bring justice. A tear jerking summation by Matt at the end satisfies the jury that a wrong that has been done to the hard-working southern black man who loves his daughter as much as any white man.

Based on the John Grisham book of the same name, this is a fantastic movie. The theme is either THOU SHALT NOT KILL or JUST CAUSE...you decide! A quickie synopsis without giving too much of the movie away...In the deep dark South, a young black child is raped, tortured, and left for dead by two white men. The father of the child decides justice in his own way and kills the two white men. Justifiable homicide, or open-and-shut murder? Superb cast include Matthew McConaughey, Donald Sutherland, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey, Sandra Bullock, Charles S. Dutton, Ashley Judd, more...Directed by Joel Schumacher. A MUST SEE MOVIE!

I'd seen this movie on Direct TV and that decided it for me - I had to have a copy of my own. This is a gripping drama, set in the south where a black man is on trial for his life for killing two white boys who brutally raped and beat his young daughter. For me, it made me examine my own views and prejudices in the black/white issue. The defense attorney's closing statement will make you think twice about your own views on things. Many of us think we are not prejudice, when we are prejudice to the bone. This movie teaches great lessons for those who are willing to chuck aside their prejudices to learn them. Highly recommended.

For me it was a time to learn. Growing up in the 60's in the south I often wondered what made some people think they were "better" than others. I know if I close my eyes and hear laughter there's no way to tell the "color" of the laughter. When someone cries, its the same way. What "color" are the tears? I don't know what that is. I hope for you it can become your time to learn as it was mine.

Unbelievable movie with an incredible impact for anyone that is watching. I highly recommend this movie to all audiences to see this (R) rated movie.

Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, and Kevin Spacey star in this film about race relations in the south in the 1960's. Such a well written and well acted movie is hard to find. They really tug at your heart strings towards the end of it.

Matthew McConaughey summarizes in the trial that changed lives forever and bring tears to everyone's eyes. It just touches your heart and soul.

Hats off to those who watch.