Rent Mississippi Burning (1988)

Cinema at It's Very Best - Mississippi Burning review by GI

Powerful and provocative Mississippi Burning is not only a first rate crime thriller it's a sharp condemnation of American cultural racism that continues to this day. Set in 1964 three civil rights activists are murdered by local Ku Klux Klan members, who include the local police amongst their number, in a small Mississippi town which strictly applies segregation laws. Their disappearance sparks the arrival of two FBI agents, Ward (Willem Dafoe), a young idealist who believes in proper procedure to get results and Anderson (Gene Hackman) a former Mississippi Town Sheriff and now seasoned agent who knows that only by extreme methods will they break the wall of silence in the local community. The theme of the old guard vs the new is quickly established as these two protagonists have a very conflicted relationship but gradually both come to respect the other. Their investigation and it's subsequent escalation sparks a wave of shocking violence as the racist whites attack the humble black community. There is only one redeeming white character, the wife of the racist deputy sheriff Pell (Brad Dourif), she's played with sensitivity by Frances McDormand even recognising her role is essential to enable the narrative to bring the investigation to a conclusion. Occasionally the film thrusts it's message a little too deeply when it doesn't have to because the power of the story is enough. This is arguably British director Alan Parker's best film, it's a gripping thriller that should make you gasp but it's also a fantastic movie that deserves a modern day audience.

Must-see classic - Mississippi Burning review by CP Customer

Shocking and harrowing tale, hard to believe it was as recent as 1964, on the other hand it is hard to believe how far we haven't come.

Characters were well portrayed with some excellent performances including of utterly repugnant characters.