Booking photo- I'll address it in a bit. Did research while watching the movie a second time, a movie with perhaps the best actor of our time Denzel Washington. I was convinced Rubin was guilty and still do. Many sites suggested that the Pesca character was all but fiction, as were a number of other characters for drama's sake. If so, why the f&#* would the producers and director essentially suggest it's a true story. The caveat, if Mr. Carter's booking photo was indeed with him in a tuxedo,I believe he is innocent. Why? I cannot imagine a black man, or any man, walking into an establishment with the intent to rob and/or kill,while standing out like a wedding groom.

I saw this movie back in early 2000, shortly after it came out, and remembered some controversy surrounding the inaccuracies with the film. I liked the movie, but only in recent years going back and watching it again did I realize just what a great film this is- in spite of the falsehoods used. Two-time Academy award winner, Denzel Washington, gives one of his finest performances as middleweight champion Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, who was twice convicted of a triple homicide in the 1960s, and spent almost twenty years in prison before finally having his conviction overturned. Washington is so great in the role, especially at times you can see the vulnerability of the character- just amazing work! And a special shout out to young actor Vicellous Reon Shannon (who was great in the HBO film "Dancing In September") as Lazarus, the young man who befriends Carter after reading his autobiography, and later helps out with his case. This movie was partially based on the book "Lazarus and the Hurricane".I've looked into the real facts of the case- such as that supposed racist cop played by Nick Tortelli (or Dan Hedaya rather LOL), who turns out there was never such evidence with his character- and the facts maybe even supporting that Carter was in fact guilty-?? I see this as one of two things. After he got out of prison I know he became an advocate for seeking the release of those wrongly imprisoned, so either he was innocent or he was guilty and maybe redeemed himself a little bit-?? (that's after the 20 years in prison too). And as film critic Roger Ebert put it- sometimes you get at the heart of the "dramatic truth"- if you want the exact literal truth, you watch a documentary. Norman Jewison directed this film, who was actually the original director of "Malcolm X" before Spike Lee's involvement, and had directed Washington previously in "A Soldier's Story". David Paymer, Rod Steiger, Liev Schreiber and Deborah Kara Unger round out the cast.

In a case with multiple sides, it's hard to seek the truth. It's especially difficult when men purposely play with the system. Whether it's "indisputable" evidence, false witnesses or sheer manipulation, the story of the Hurricane is one to be remembered. Known as a prominent fighter, Hurricane's battle with overcoming challenges began from an early age. This film is deeply emotional. It delves into the ploy of sinister men in positions of power who have goals besides enforcing the spirit of the law. The Hurricane is unluckily swept into the midst of corruption and loses everything. It's a struggle to one day taste freedom and bring justice back to the courts.The Hurricane is a strong movie. Whether it's the psychological trouble or loss of family, it's impossible to not sympathize with the protagonist. Although not truly meant to be a documentary, my main concern is that the film is clearly one-sided. Although it is a great piece of film, the plot does not represent history accurately and only reveals light from a skewed perspective. With great performances from Denzel Washington and the entire supporting cast, this movie is certain to please for its entertainment value. Validity is key, though. Corruption is rampant, but so is deception.

The Hurricane is an inspirational story about a guy who was wrongfully imprisoned and how he does all he can to set himself free. This is a moving story and the direction by Norman Jewison is very solid. Also, Denzel Washington gives a magnificent performance as he always do. What adds significance to this story is that it is based on a true story. It may not be historically accurate as we would like, but it's still true enough to the source material that we actually believe the events that happened in the movie.Norman Jewison's film is about a guy named Rubin "Hurricane" Carter who has dealt with the law since before he was a teenager. After he was wrongfully accused of a triple murder and was sent to life in prison, he receives the help three Canadian activists who works their very hardest to set this man free.As I mentioned before, Denzel is one of the greatest actors of my generation and possibly the entire history of cinema. He gives a gritty performance and really takes the part of the role very well. The other actors are very well in particular Liev Schreiber, John Hannah, and Dan Hedaya.Overall, this is a powerhouse film about a guy who is imprisoned because of racial hatred. The acting carries the film especially Denzel. I don't think anyone other than Denzel would be really effective in this role. I rate this film 9/10.