True Believer
True Believer

Movie spotlight

True Believer

1989
Movie
105 min
English

Eddie Dodd is a burnt out former civil rights lawyer who now specializes in defending drug dealers. Roger Baron, newly graduated from law school, has followed Eddie's great cases and now wants to learn at his feet. With Roger's idealistic prodding, Eddie reluctantly takes on a case of a young Korean man who, according to his mother, has been in jail for eight years for a murder he didn't commit.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes60%
Google Users70%
Director: Joseph RubenGenres: Drama, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

A cynical, alcoholic defense attorney is pulled back into the courtroom by his idealistic former student to defend a man accused of murder. As the case progresses, the attorney uncovers a complex conspiracy involving the CIA and a powerful chemical company, forcing him to confront his own demons and fight for justice.

Critical Reception

True Believer received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised the performances, particularly from James Woods and Robert Downey Jr., and the film's tense atmosphere and political commentary. However, some found the plot to be somewhat predictable and convoluted.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong lead performances and suspenseful narrative.

  • The film offers an engaging, albeit occasionally formulaic, thriller with a political edge.

  • Criticized by some for a plot that becomes overly complicated in its latter half.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the strong acting and the gripping storyline, finding it to be a well-made thriller. Some viewers felt the film's twists and turns became a bit too intricate, but overall it was seen as an engaging watch.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Robert Downey Jr. and James Woods would later go on to star together in the critically acclaimed film 'Chaplin' (1992), with Woods playing Max Linder and Downey Jr. playing Charlie Chaplin.

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