The acclaimed legal drama starring Michael B. Jordan focuses on the tragic death row injustices in the United States, and it is set to air on BBC tonight
It is based on a powerful true story (Image: Jake Netter)
As you settle in for an evening on the sofa, there’s one ‘moving’ film on TV tonight which is sure to be one to watch – though you might want to have the tissues handy.
Drawing from Bryan Stevenson’s moving 2014 memoir, this legal drama tells the story of a prominent lawyer tasked with defending prisoners on death row. It documents the real life legal career of the American attorney as he defended disadvantaged clients in the south.
Released in 2019, Just Mercy is an American film which left a profound impression on audiences, who are still posting five-star reviews online seven years after its cinema debut.
The narrative particularly centres on the compelling real-life case of Walter McMillian, a man wrongfully convicted of murdering a young woman, whose life hung in the balance as a result.
Between 1990 and 1993, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals rejected four separate appeals in this case, while his original trial operated under a now-abolished doctrine allowing judges to override jury recommendations of life imprisonment and impose the death penalty instead.
McMillian had served six years of his life on Alabama ‘s death row, before his case was appealed. Playing him in the ‘inspiring’ story is Jamie Foxx, who ahs been praised for his realistic performance .
Following his fight for freedom, McMillian claimed if he was sentenced to life imprisonment, he would have never been paired with Stevenson as a lawyer, and his own words he believes he would still “be in prison today.”
Throughout the film, a powerful thread of racism runs through this real-life story, casting a stark light on the stereotyping and racial profiling endured by countless wrongfully convicted Black men across the South – a message that clearly resonated deeply with audiences.
One fan wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “As usual, Michael B. Jordan, along with Jamie Foxx, does a superb acting job in this revolutionary movie that highlights our corrupt justice system that STILL needs fixing.”
Another wrote: “Just Mercy is an incredible film about holding onto hope in the face of absolute injustice. The story highlights absurd injustices African Americans faced in Alabama- so much so that some of the events seem unbelievable or impossible. But they aren’t- this actually happened. “
Upon its release, Just Mercy pulled in a staggering worldwide total of $50.4 million, earning considerable critical acclaim alongside its commercial success.
Yet at the very core of the film’s widespread praise lies an admiration for the two lead actors’ powerfully authentic portrayals of a heartbreaking true tale.
One viewer said: “I thought the acting was strong. Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx gave really honest, believable performances. “
Others have claimed that the film made them feel emotional, with many viewers noting that they were moved to tears. One person explained that they cried, ” despite fighting those tears” throughout.
Award-winning film Just Mercy is set to grace our screens tonight, airing on BBC1 at 11:20pm. If you can’t wait that long, it’s also available to stream right now on Amazon Prime.
