Crown Heights
Crown Heights

Movie spotlight

Crown Heights

2017
Movie
96 min
English

When Colin Warner was wrongfully convicted of murder, his best friend Carl King devoted his life to proving his innocence.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic73/100
Google Users93%
Director: Matt RuskinGenres: Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

Based on a true story, Crown Heights follows Colin Warner, a teenager from Brooklyn who is wrongly convicted of murder in 1980. Despite his claims of innocence, he is sentenced to life in prison. The film chronicles his 20-year struggle for freedom, aided by his childhood friend Carl King, who tirelessly works to uncover evidence that could exonerate him.

Critical Reception

Crown Heights received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its powerful true story, strong performances, and timely social commentary on the injustices within the legal system. Audiences also responded well to the film's emotional depth and commitment to depicting a harrowing real-life experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • A compelling and important true story that highlights systemic injustice.

  • Features standout performances, particularly from Nnamdi Asomugha.

  • Effectively balances the personal tragedy with a broader critique of the justice system.

Google audience: Audiences widely lauded the film for its powerful and true narrative, finding it deeply moving and important. The performances were frequently praised, and many viewers expressed that the film shed necessary light on significant issues within the justice system.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Audience Award and Jury Prize for Best Dramatic Feature at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the true story of Colin Warner, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 20 years in prison before being exonerated.

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