A Time to Kill
A Time to Kill
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that A Time to Kill is a drama set in Mississippi about a white lawyer (Matthew McConaughey) who defends a black man (Samuel L. Jackson) accused of killing the two white men who raped his 10-year-old daughter. The chain of events following the death of these men creates an atmosphere of tension within the small Southern town, and revenge is sought by the Ku Klux Klan. Expect to see racial violence (including a cross burning) and the use of guns/weapons; characters are killed, and the rape scene is very upsetting. Characters swear ("s--t" and more) and use racially charged slurs (the "N" word); they also drink and smoke. The movie is based on the popular novel by John Grisham and has themes of integrity and perseverance.
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What's the Story?
A TIME TO KILL takes a candid look at America's judicial system while giving viewers a glimpse of the psychological and physical trauma and consequences that come along with racial injustice, systemic racism, and oppression. In a small Mississippi town, bold young lawyer Jake Brigance (Matthew McConaughey) and his assistant, Ellen Roark (Sandra Bullock), defend Carl Lee Hailey (Samuel L. Jackson), a poor black man accused of killing the two white men who raped his young daughter. This incites fury, and the Ku Klux Klan seeks revenge. The movie is based on the best-selling novel by John Grisham.
Is It Any Good?
This film candidly depicts the residual effect of racism on the next generation. Viewers get the opportunity to see things from a different perspective and consider what life is like for both a white man and a black man in the South. While A Time to Kill fairly portrays unjust crimes committed against Carl Lee and his family, the film also allows viewers to see the intense experiences of a white man and his legal team who choose to defend a black man in the South during a pivotal time in America's history. A Time To Kill doesn't shy away from revealing topics, attitudes, and the realities of many who lived in the South during this time period.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the subject matter of A Time to Kill. Has the social climate in America changed since this film came out in 1996? Has racial tension in America lessened or increased? Why do you say that?
Do you think that black men in America have the right to a fair trial? Why or why not?
Did you notice any stereotyping in this movie? What about in other movies that deal with race? What's the danger of stereotypes?
How do the characters and story show the value of perseverance and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?
Why do you think that Jake told the jury, in reference to 10-year-old Tonya, during his final closing statement to "imagine she is white"?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 24, 1996
- On DVD or streaming: April 30, 1998
- Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson
- Director: Joel Shumacher
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters
- Character Strengths: Integrity, Perseverance
- Run time: 149 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence and some graphic language
- Last updated: July 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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The Green Mile
Compassionate movie, but has stereotypes, violence, cursing.
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Roots
Classic miniseries is essential viewing for mature teens.
-
The Firm
Grisham thriller has lots of twists, turns but is overlong.
-
The Pelican Brief
Tense Grisham-based thriller is well cast but talky.
-
12 Angry Men
Outstanding Henry Fonda jury classic is still relevant.
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