Film Review: "Just Mercy" (2019).

"Based on the true story of a modern hero." This is Just Mercy. This biographical legal drama film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, adapted by Cretton and Andrew Lanham, and based on the memoir Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. The film follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his history-making battle for justice. After graduating from Harvard, Bryan had his pick of lucrative jobs. Instead, he heads to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned or who were not afforded proper representation, with the support of local advocate Eva Ansley. One of his first, and most incendiary, cases is that of Walter McMillian, who, in 1987, was sentenced to die for the notorious murder of an eighteen-year-old girl, despite a preponderance of evidence proving his innocence and the fact that the only testimony against him came from a criminal with a motive to lie. In the years that follow, Bryan becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political maneuverings and overt and unabashed racism as he fights for Walter, and others like him, with the odds—and the system—stacked against them.

In 2015, development on a film adaptation of Stevenson's memoir began with Cretton hired to direct and Michael B. Jordon attached to star. By late August 2018, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell Britt-Gibson and Kirk Bovill. At the same time, principal photography commenced and took place in Montgomery, Alabama.

The film stars Jordon, Foxx, Larson, Morgan, Nelson, Spall, Jackson Jr., Britt-Gibson and Bovill. The film has a phenomenal cast and a connection between the characters that gives it just the push it needs. Shine intermittently, especially for its cast - especially Foxx - and at least it doesn't waste your time despite leaving you with a bittersweet taste. Foxx cuts deep into his character, leaving a deep, tragic impression. Overall the powerful performances made it an emotional watch.

As a character study, the film is a fascinating glimpse at the intersection of love, abuse, compassion, neglect, broken promises, and familial duties. The film is the kind which used to be more common but doesn't appear so often anymore -- at least to this extent of quality, profile and budget. The film is a serviceable and engaging account of Stevenson's story, though you can almost see the Hollywood machination at work. Cretton does an admirable job steering the film tonally, with only a handful of moments that veer fully into the oncoming traffic of the melodramatic. The film is a study in the power of justice - and the resilience of underdogs to overcome even the harshest of circumstances. The narrative serves up carefully balanced helpings of tears and laughter, showing a deep understanding of the lawyer-client bond and the sometimes twisted machinations of the legal and justice system. The adaptation is a powerful, poignant tale of resilience, strength, compassion and forgiveness that will have you in tears.

Simon says Just Mercy receives:

Also, see my review for The Glass Castle.