"Just Mercy": Nathan's Movie Review

Injustice is all around us. Sometimes we see it, sometimes we don't. When we do, however, it can be difficult to put yourself in the line of fire in order to right the wrong. But, if we are to inspire true change, more of us have to be willing to stand up and do what's right. Fight, no matter how long or how difficult. That's the message that Just Mercy leaves us with right before the credits roll and it's a message that we all need to hear.

Just Mercy follows lawyer Bryan Stevenson who takes on the case of Walter McMillian, a black man on death row in Alabama who has been accused of a crime he did not commit. Everywhere Bryan turns, it seems like there's another dead end in a maze of bribes and cover-ups and he only has a limited amount of time to save Walter's life.

It's hard to decide where to start. There's not one thing that I didn't love about this film. Let's break it down into three parts: story, performance, and message. First, the story hit all the marks. Because Hollywood has a track record of dramatizing true events, I read up on the McMillian story. This film is probably the most accurate depiction of a true story that I have ever seen. The amount of research and dedication it must have taken to get this story told correctly is a rather remarkable feat to consider and I appreciate every second it took. Secondly, the performances were emotionally powerful and oftentimes heartbreaking. Jamie Foxx and Rob Morgan had two of the most important moments in the film, moments which would both shatter and inspire Bryan's hopefulness not only in this case but in his life as well. Applause to Michael B. Jordan as well for his portrayal of Bryan Stevenson. His ability to show Bryan as both a conflicted and a convicted man was pure, raw talent. Every second of the film was both beautiful and shattering because of the brilliant acting displayed. Finally, the message the film hit us with, especially in the end, was one that not only inspired Bryan but will continue to inspire audiences all over the world. It's a message that resonates with even the modern world. Why are we always at each others' throats? Why are we always searching for someone to blame instead of taking the time to find the truth? If the world just showed some compassion, some mercy, and some forgiveness, we'd all be better off not only as a society but as a whole species.

I usually have a conclusion to my reviews but the only conclusion I have for you is this: go see Just Mercy. I give the film a 4 out of 4.