Marshall

The movie Marshall, released in 2017, is a biographical drama that portrays the life of Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice in the United States. The movie is directed by Reginald Hudlin and stars Chadwick Boseman as Thurgood Marshall, Josh Gad as Samuel Friedman, and Kate Hudson as Eleanor Strubing.

The story is set in the year 1941 when Marshall was working as a lawyer for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Marshall, already famous for his efforts to fight against racial discrimination, is assigned by the organization to defend a black man named Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown) who has been accused of rape and attempted murder of a wealthy white woman named Eleanor Strubing (Kate Hudson).

Marshall travels to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where the trial is set to take place, but he is not allowed to argue in court as he is not a licensed attorney in the state. Instead, he partners with Samuel Friedman, a local Jewish lawyer who is reluctant to take the case but eventually agrees to work with Marshall.

The movie then follows the trial, where the white prosecutor (Dan Stevens) tries to prove Spell's guilt based on Strubing's statement, while Marshall and Friedman argue that Spell is being framed because of his race. They also bring up evidence that the victim had a prior sexual relationship with Spell and that she had falsely accused another black man of rape in the past.

As the trial unfolds, Marshall and Friedman face numerous challenges due to the racism of the judge (James Cromwell) and the jurors, who are all white. They also receive threats from the Ku Klux Klan, who do not want a black man to be acquitted of a crime against a white woman.

The performances of the lead actors are outstanding. Boseman impresses as Marshall, capturing his charisma, confidence, and dedication to the cause of justice. Gad delivers an excellent portrayal of Friedman, who undergoes a transformation from a timid lawyer to one who is willing to fight for what is right. Hudson is convincing as the victim, Strubing, who is torn between her own social status and the truth.

The movie also explores Marshall's personal life, including his relationship with his wife (Keesha Sharp), who is concerned about his safety, and with a young man (Jussie Smollett) who dreams of becoming an attorney like Marshall.

The cinematography and production design are noteworthy as well. The scenes depicting the courtroom, with its segregation and hierarchy, are particularly striking. The soundtrack, composed by Marcus Miller, adds to the overall tone of the movie, which is suspenseful, emotional, and inspiring.

In summary, Marshall is an engaging and informative movie that sheds light on the life of a prominent historical figure and a crucial moment in the civil rights movement. It shows how prejudice and fear can influence the justice system and how courage and determination can overcome them. By the end of the movie, the audience is left with a sense of admiration for Marshall and his legacy.