Ghosts of Mississippi
Ghosts of Mississippi

Ghosts of Mississippi

1996Movie130 minEnglish

A Mississippi district attorney and the widow of Medgar Evers struggle to bring a white supremacist to justice for the 1963 murder of the civil rights leader.

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IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic66/100
Google Users83%
Director: Rob ReinerGenres: Drama, Biography, History, Crime

Plot Summary

In 1990, investigative journalist Connie Cochran decides to write a book about the 1964 murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers. She partners with Assistant District Attorney Bobby DeLaughter, who becomes increasingly drawn into the case, believing that Byron De La Beckwith, a prominent white supremacist, is guilty. Together, they navigate deep-seated racial prejudice and legal challenges to bring Evers' killer to justice after decades of failed attempts.

Critical Reception

Ghosts of Mississippi was met with generally positive reviews, with critics praising its powerful performances, particularly from Whoopi Goldberg and James Woods, and its handling of a sensitive and important historical event. While some noted its somewhat conventional narrative structure, the film was largely lauded for its thoughtful exploration of justice, race, and reconciliation in the American South.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for strong performances, especially from Goldberg and Woods, who deliver compelling portrayals.
  • Recognized for its sensitive and impactful dramatization of a significant civil rights event.
  • Some found the pacing and narrative familiar, but the film's message and execution were generally well-received.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's historical significance and its exploration of racial injustice, with many commending the acting and the emotional depth of the story. The dedication to seeking justice resonated with viewers.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 2 Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor for James Woods, Best Supporting Actress for Whoopi Goldberg). Nominated for 3 Golden Globe Awards.

Fun Fact

The film marked the first time Whoopi Goldberg played a real-life person, and she consulted with Myrlie Evers-Williams, Medgar Evers' widow, extensively to prepare for the role.

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