It’s interesting to note that the main impact of the film comes more from the story than from the actor’s overwrought emotions. Michael B. Jordan as civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson and Foxx play their characters with a believable sense of restraint. Lawyers, especially, are taught to keep their emotions in check and Jordan resists the chance to show off acting chops to the detriment of the realism that is at play.

Some will feel that more thespian intention was warranted to fully engage the audience but then it would leave the realm of believable and dive headlong into conventional fiction overload. There is more than enough emotion in this overview of the woeful breakdown in the American judicial system this case represents. It also highlights the USA’s backwards and barbaric use of capital punishment, long after it’s been proven to not deter capital offences.

After enduring setback after setback, the film’s conclusion does provide some degree of redemption. Those that know history and stay for the interludes during the final credits however will be reminded that things change very slowly in certain parts of America (and the world at large). Reading the history of the actual case will also fill you with amazement of the egregious misuse of power and the outrageous disregard for legal protections.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/roadshow

Join Palace Cinemas from 6.00pm for a glass of prosecco and a Connoisseur Gourmet Ice-Cream stick on arrival before the screening commences at 6.15pm.

Starring Michael B. Jordan and Oscar winners Jamie Foxx & Brie Larson, JUST MERCY brings one of the most important cases of our time to the big screen. Following the story of Bryan Stevenson, a young lawyer who, rather than finding lucrative work after graduating from Harvard, moved to Alabama to defend those without the means to defend themselves, finds the case of Walter McMillian (Foxx), a man who was sentenced to death for the notorious murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite evidence proving his innocence. Bryan becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of political maneuverings and overt racism as he fights for Walter against a corrupt system is this inspiring and powerful true story.

Palace James Street
22 January, 2020
6.00pm for 6.15pm

Palace Barracks
22 January, 2020
6.00pm for 6.15pm

Head to www.palacecinemas.com.au for more information and to book tickets