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Conviction
- Review Date: October 11, 2010
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Intense, fact-based crime drama celebrates family ties.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this fact-based drama celebrates one woman's tenacity and loyalty to her brother. It's uplifting and fairly moving, but given the heavy subject matter -- crime, prison, and difficult odds -- it's too intense for younger viewers. Some scenes depict characters examining graphic crime scene photos of a
murdered woman, and the film begins with cameras moving through a house in which someone has been killed in a violent crime. There's also frequent swearing (including "s--t" and "f--k") and references to suicide.
What's the story?
When her older brother, Kenneth (Sam Rockwell), is arrested and convicted for a crime he insists he didn't commit, Betty Anne Waters (Hilary Swank) fights to exonerate him, no matter how much time or effort it takes. And it turns out to take 18 years, most of which she spends getting first her high school diploma, then going to college, then attending law school and passing the bar so she can serve as Kenneth's counsel and make sure he clears his name. But Betty Anne's dedication has a cost: Her husband's not sure how much longer he can hang on, and her kids get less and less of her time. Yet she perseveres, determined to get her brother out of jail. Is he innocent? Will she succeed? This drama based on the life of the real Betty Anne Waters charts Betty Anne and Kenneth's journey through the criminal justice system.
Is it any good?
If CONVICTION were a present wrapped up in shiny paper and tied with a big red bow, it would have "Happy Oscar nomination!" stamped on it specifically for Swank. The film seems engineered for maximum make-the-audience-feel effect, with a compelling storyline and a heartwarming message about family loyalty and tenacity. Swank cries, persists, moves, overcomes, and survives: the perfect awards concoction. The movie is inspirational with a capital "I."
Despite that transparency and that fact that it follows the typical conventions of the courtroom-drama-with-uplifting-ending genre, Conviction is, cynicism aside, quite moving. How can you not sympathize with a woman who isn't merely a figment of some screenwriter's imagination but an actual human being who displays such fortitude and faith? How can you not admire a sibling relationship that encourages such dedication? Rockwell gives his performance ample bite without undercutting the film's tender message; whenever he's onscreen, he compels. And though there's something a little mechanical in Swank's Best-Actress-y repertoire, she makes us forget that she's a Hollywood actress playing make-believe. Art imitates life, and what a powerful movie it made.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Betty Anne's unwavering faith in her brother. Why does she believe in him so steadfastly? Do you think she ever had doubts? If so, why might the filmmakers decide not to dwell on that?
How does the film depict Betty Anne's journey? Has it been sugar coated, or does it seem realistic?
What is the film saying about the criminal justice system? How does it compare to most movies depicting a crime and its consequences?
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AGE
Emotional and inspirational drama, screenplay has some flaws.
3.5/5
CONVICTION is the inspirational true story of a sister's unwavering devotion to her brother. When Betty Anne Waters' (two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank) older brother Kenny (Sam Rockwell) is arrested for murder and sentenced to life in 1983, Betty Anne, a Massachusetts wife and mother of two, dedicates her life to overturning the murder conviction. Convinced that her brother is innocent, Betty Anne puts herself through high school, college and, finally, law school in an 18 year quest to free Kenny. With the help of best friend Abra Rice (Academy Award nominee Minnie Driver), Betty Anne pores through suspicious evidence mounted by small town cop Nancy Taylor (Academy Award nominee Melissa Leo), meticulously retracing the steps that led to Kenny's arrest. Belief in her brother - and her quest for the truth - pushes Betty Anne and her team to uncover the facts and utilize DNA evidence with the hope of exonerating Kenny.
ok this movie is just a one time watch. i was expecting if not much but somethings from it which it didn't quit meet up. well that i also realised from the Tomatometer rating before watching it. its just a plain simple story with plain simple plot, nothing much is happening which is strange. the only thing in it worth watching in this movie is the acting.
Direction of this movie is above average which could have been much better for sure. this movie and its story had so much potential in it. i won't be so neagtive about this movie since i did liked it to some extent, that explains the 3.5 stars. screenplay has some flaws in it, not a perfect plot to follow but that doesn't much bother you or is not much of a bad thing. cinematography and everything is good. nice story.
Acting wise it was good. i mean in my Oscar predictions, i nominated Swank. Hilary Swank, my second most favorite actress has performed very well in it, one of the best performances this year and of her own best. totally loved her. good. Sam Rockwell was absolutely brilliant in the movie. awsome. Julliette Lewis was a surprise package. other actors did well too.
well this is a drama movie based on facts about love of a sister towards her brother, who for his sake become a lawyer to get him evict from the jail in which he's been more than 15 years. its somewhere flat but overall a inspirational movie with good performances that worth a watch.
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AGE
A must see movie
Great movie about a heartbreaking situation for the Waters family.
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AGE
Inspiring drama for older kids.
This film features some strong language but that shouldn't prevent you from showing your older kids this inspiring drama.
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| Studio: | Fox Searchlight |
| Director: | Tony Goldwyn |
| Cast: | Hilary Swank, Minnie Driver, Sam Rockwell |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 107 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 15, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | February 1, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | language and some violent images |
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