Orion Pictures Corporation | Release Date: January 27, 1989
8.5
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 106 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
95
Mixed:
6
Negative:
5
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9
Andys_ReviewsJul 25, 2013
Although based on real events, the filmmakers go to great lengths to make it clear that this is a work of fiction. As such it works very well; it is a very powerful drama that puts the fight for civil rights to the fore. I must say I found itAlthough based on real events, the filmmakers go to great lengths to make it clear that this is a work of fiction. As such it works very well; it is a very powerful drama that puts the fight for civil rights to the fore. I must say I found it quite thought provoking, very well made and really well shot. The performances were all excellent with (for me), Gene Hackman standing out; although I thought Willem Dafoe was very good and Brad Dourif was excellent as the loathsome Deputy Pell. I also have to mention a couple of small roles; it was nice to see both Stephen Tobolowsky as Clayton Townley and R. Lee Ermey as Mayor Tilman; I know they didn’t have an awful lot to do, but they were both quality. Over all, an interesting drama that kept me interested all the way through a definite ‘must’ for any cinephile.

SteelMonster’s verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.7/10.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
bh92Jan 4, 2013
This film is a classic. It is truly gripping with the detectives playing two sensational performances. In particular, the violent scene at the barbers shop is excellent. The film also plays with all the emotions and sometimes is painful toThis film is a classic. It is truly gripping with the detectives playing two sensational performances. In particular, the violent scene at the barbers shop is excellent. The film also plays with all the emotions and sometimes is painful to watch as we witness the cruelty and suffering caused by the KKK in Mississippi. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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5
EssenceOfSugarJul 28, 2012
Comprised mostly of racial abuse and interrogations, this portrayal of a certain historical event is flawed because it is all jumbled together, thinly veiled as a historical masterpiece. The difficulty of using these racial themes within filmComprised mostly of racial abuse and interrogations, this portrayal of a certain historical event is flawed because it is all jumbled together, thinly veiled as a historical masterpiece. The difficulty of using these racial themes within film is the accuracy that it is shown in order to be of certain historical value. It is one thing that you use an event from history and go slightly off track to improve it, it is another thing that you take an event from history and change it around into a complete mess that disrupts the perhaps flawless construction of history. Of course, this film is of little entertainment value, not because of the violent, horrific aspects, but because of the intensity. It wasn't all doom and gloom in the 1960's, but I suppose you could expect that from something titled 'Mississippi Burning'. At least the ending provided something a little more cheerful, despite the fact many people had been killed in the process. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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2
imthenoobNov 4, 2018
The director makes it a point to say that this is a fiction, despite being based on a real-life event, and I couldn't agree more. It's so annoyingly over dramatized that it fails to keep you even remotely interested in it. And often times,The director makes it a point to say that this is a fiction, despite being based on a real-life event, and I couldn't agree more. It's so annoyingly over dramatized that it fails to keep you even remotely interested in it. And often times, The story is dropped in order to show off some weak action scene, I just don't get it. And what's even more insulting is that the 3 murdered men, who this film is based on, are barely mentioned at all in this film. Now that is insulting. Expand
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3
BroyaxMay 3, 2017
Un portrait sans concession et une peinture très âpre du Mississippi des années 60, un état anciennement confédéré qui n'a jamais apprécié la politique du vivre ensemble nordiste décrétée par des angélistes béats, la tête dans le cul de leursUn portrait sans concession et une peinture très âpre du Mississippi des années 60, un état anciennement confédéré qui n'a jamais apprécié la politique du vivre ensemble nordiste décrétée par des angélistes béats, la tête dans le cul de leurs bureaux de fonctionnaires à Washington.

Certes, inspirée d'évènements véridiques, cette histoire montre que nos chamants pékors du sud ont franchement mordu la ligne jaune et bien entendu aucun meurtre ne saurait justifier la défense de leur politique ségrégationniste.

Mais tout de même, le film n'y va pas par quatre chemins et démontre aussi avec à-propos que la violence appelle la violence, y compris chez ces nazis refoulés du FBI qui utilisent des méthodes d'investigation bien éloignées de toute légalité passée, enterrée ou à venir.

Bien que les acteurs ne soient nullement en cause, le duo du gentil et du méchant agent spécial, le bisounours et la brute, finit par être lourd et très répétitif, tandis que le film se répand par ailleurs dans un pathos généralisé beaucoup trop appuyé, en plus de diaboliser aveuglément sans chercher à faire la part des choses.

Enfin, le film est clairement et conséquemment de ses défauts sus-mentionnés trop long et souvent barbant dans sa démonstration poussive ressassée ad nauseam comme un vieux malade d'Alzheimer.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
sooper_walrusAug 29, 2017
A fantastic, satisfying take on the conflict meeting the Civil Rights Movement in the south. It is certainly hard to watch at some points; this film does not hold back, and it illustrates the irrational hatred against black Americans in aA fantastic, satisfying take on the conflict meeting the Civil Rights Movement in the south. It is certainly hard to watch at some points; this film does not hold back, and it illustrates the irrational hatred against black Americans in a disturbing (but accurate) manner, to the point where the viewer feels as helpless as the innocent victims. The dynamic between Dafoe and Hackman's characters is genius, and surprisingly, there are many funny moments throughout the film to lighten the mood. Admittedly the film gets a bit slow in the middle, but it's all worth it to see the Klansmen get their comeuppance in the end. All in all, this is a compelling film, with a strong message that all americans should keep in mind today. Expand
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8
amheretojudgeSep 15, 2018
essentially husky and cunningly crispy..

Mississippi Burning Mississippi Burning is a character driven political thriller about FBI investigation that creates havoc as they start taking matters in hand after racism increases like a fire
essentially husky and cunningly crispy..

Mississippi Burning

Mississippi Burning is a character driven political thriller about FBI investigation that creates havoc as they start taking matters in hand after racism increases like a fire catching forest in a town. Depicting such a delicate concept, the feature is surprisingly bold and obviously poignant with some indelible gut wrenching visuals. And the makers in here, respects both the sides of the political aspects and walks on a fair and clear line. Contrary to what premise promises or suggests, there is a lot more in here to explore than mere investigation procedure and no matter how rudimentary it may be, its metaphorical and satirical tone keeps the audience tangled in its pathos bubble. The background score may not be up front factoring the most, but it certainly has amazing cinematography and fine editing. "The buddy cop" chemistry should actually be like such and it defines it with such subtle panache that leaves long gasping of air whenever they are on screen. As mentioned, the performance is revelation in here where both the lead cast going head to head is one of the primary reason why stakes communicate fluently. Hackman has genuinely invested all his chips in with Dafoe supporting him thoroughly and McDormand proving once again why she is one of the finest actress we have. Gerolmo's exquisite script is justified by Parker's execution skills where he leaves no barrs while conveying the message. The inner politics brewed within the period depicted (the tables turning half way through the tale is not only unexpected but utterly pleasing to encounter too), Hackman and Dafoe sharing wisdom through funny bits and their performance that binds it all, are the high points of the feature. Mississippi Burning is more than the genre could title it for, as it is essentially husky and cunningly crispy for the entire majestic two hours.
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7
Toasty87Jul 12, 2020
Good script Good casting and good acting but it seems all had been thrown in a big pot and released.
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9
geewahJan 18, 2021
A fictionalised telling based on a true life crime, this is one powerful movie.
Hackman and Defoe are fantastic as the two FBI agents.
One of the best movies of 1989.
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