Convicts

Convicts is a 1991 American drama film written and directed by Peter Masterson. The movie stars Robert Duvall, Lukas Haas, and James Earl Jones in the lead roles while introducing newcomer Cody Newton in one of his first cinematic performances. The movie is set in the year 1902 and takes place in the Deep South of the United States, where the injustices of the convict leasing system are prevalent.

The movie follows the story of a young boy named Horace Robedaux (Lukas Haas) who steals an apple from the local market and is subsequently sentenced to a juvenile detention center. After his release, Horace returns home to his abusive and alcoholic stepfather, who plans to sell him into the convict-leasing program where prisoners are forced to work as slave-labor on a plantation.

However, Horace's fate takes an unexpected turn when he meets a kind-hearted ex-convict named Soll Gautier (Robert Duvall). Soll had served his time for a murder he had not committed and had spent fifteen long years working on a chain-gang. Now, Soll is free and wants to live his remaining years in peace, away from the system that had wrongfully incarcerated him.

But fate has other plans as Soll and Horace develop an unlikely bond while working on the same plantation. They soon realize that they have a common enemy in the brutal plantation overseer, Dillard (James Earl Jones), who ruled the plantation with an iron fist. With each passing day, the two men become closer, and Horace becomes a surrogate son to Soll, who takes it upon himself to protect the boy from the harsh realities of life in the convict-leasing system.

As the days go by, Horace and Soll's relationship deepens, and the young boy learns valuable life lessons from his older companion. Soll becomes a father figure to Horace, teaching him the value of hard work, honesty, and standing up to injustice. As the two men work together, they must also navigate the treacherous waters of their own complicated pasts and come to terms with the demons that continue to haunt them.

Convicts is a powerful and poignant drama about the human spirit triumphing over adversity. The film's standout performance comes from Robert Duvall, who shines as the grizzled ex-convict, bringing a raw, emotional intensity to the character. Lukas Haas's portrayal of the innocent young boy is equally compelling, as he captures the child's sense of wonder and fear in a way that is deeply moving.

The film's cinematography is stunning, showcasing the beauty and harshness of the South's landscape, and the superb costume design perfectly captures the period's fashion and style.

In conclusion, Convicts is a must-watch for those who appreciate authentic, heartfelt storytelling. This powerful, heartrending drama is an ode to the human spirit and the many injustices that people have suffered through history. The film's talented cast brings the story to life, and the film's attention to detail immerses the viewer in the world of the characters. Convicts is a movie that is sure to stay with you long after the credits roll.