Color of Justice

Color of Justice is a thought-provoking and poignant movie from 1997 that explores the complexities of race relations and the corrupt justice system in America. The movie stars Bruce Davison, F. Murray Abraham, and Gregory Hines in vivid and commanding roles that bring the story to life.

The movie follows the story of a young black woman named Rebecca Kemp who is brutally raped and left for dead in a field outside of town. When the police arrive on the scene, they immediately arrest a local black man named Kevin Bernard and accuse him of the crime. Despite an alibi that places him at work at the time of the attack, Kevin is convicted by an all-white jury and sentenced to life in prison.

Meanwhile, a wealthy white lawyer named Eddie Serrano is assigned to defend Kevin's case as part of a pro-bono legal clinic. Eddie is initially hesitant to take on the case, believing that Kevin is guilty and that defending him would damage his own career. However, as he delves deeper into the case and begins to uncover the truth about the corrupt law enforcement system in the town, he becomes determined to clear Kevin's name and bring the real perpetrators to justice.

Eddie is not without his own demons, however, as he struggles with his own prejudices and ingrained biases against people of color. He is forced to confront these biases head-on as he comes face-to-face with the racism and corruption that permeates every level of the justice system. Along the way, he discovers unlikely allies in the form of a retired judge, played by F. Murray Abraham, and a black civil rights activist, played by Gregory Hines, who help him navigate the complex web of lies and deceit that have been woven around the case.

As Eddie, the judge, and the activist begin to dig deeper into the case, they uncover a tangled web of conspiracy and corruption that involves everyone from the local police department to the district attorney to the wealthy landowners who control the town. They discover that Kevin's conviction was not just a case of mistaken identity or a rush to judgment, but a deliberate effort to silence a potential witness and protect the interests of those in power.

At its heart, Color of Justice is a searing indictment of the systemic racism and corruption that continues to plague America's justice system, even in the present day. It is a movie that is not afraid to tackle tough and uncomfortable issues head-on, and one that challenges its audience to examine their own biases and preconceptions. Through its powerful performances and compelling storyline, it is a movie that demands to be seen and heard, and one that continues to resonate long after the credits have rolled.

In conclusion, Color of Justice is a must-see movie for anyone who cares about social justice, racial equality, and human dignity. Its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released over 20 years ago, and its impact is felt far beyond the movie screen. If you are looking for a movie that will challenge you, inspire you, and move you to action, then look no further than Color of Justice.