Mississippi Burning

Orion Pictures Corporation | Release Date: January 27, 1989

8.5	USER SCORE Universal acclaim based on 106 Ratings

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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.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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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

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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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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 fireessentially 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.… Expand

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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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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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