Just Mercy (2019) | agoodmovietowatch
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Just Mercy 2019

An inspiring true story on fighting for innocent people on death row

Our Take (by Bilal Zouheir)

This drama is based on the true story of Bryan Stevenson, a young Harvard graduate who moved to Alabama in the 80s to defend wrongly accused prisoners on death row. He’s played by Michael B. Jordan, who brings to the surface the unstoppable determination and ambition of the character. Components that were necessary to go on such a difficult task, especially with the racist barriers at the time. Not to mention, no one had ever been released from death row in the history of Alabama at that point. An inspiring and well-acted movie, made by Short Term 12 director Destin Daniel Cretton.

Notable Critics

"This devastatingly affecting drama, based on a true story, reveals outrageous abuses in the justice system-ones that have hardly been redressed."

— Richard Brody

"I don't know what liberties Cretton and his co-writer Andrew Lanham have taken, but their treatment feels honest and sober, a precise and patient accounting rather than a righteous protest."

— Bilge Ebiri

Synopsis

The powerful true story of Harvard-educated lawyer Bryan Stevenson, who goes to Alabama to defend the disenfranchised and wrongly condemned — including Walter McMillian, a man sentenced to death despite evidence proving his innocence. Bryan fights tirelessly for Walter with the system stacked against them.

Awards

SAG Awards

1 nomination

Nominated: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Nat. Board of Review

1 win

Won: Freedom of Expression

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About the author

Bilal Zouheir

Bilal Zouheir

Bilal Zouheir is the founder of A Good Movie to Watch. He is US-based and a member of the Nevada Film Critics Society. He grew up in Morocco, where he learned English from watching movies. Bilal's work with A Good Movie to Watch is focused on offering an alternative to streaming algorithms, which are often used as commercial tools by streaming services.