09. A Time to Kill (1996):
Arguably a remake of
To Kill a Mockingbird made for a contemporary audience
A Time to Kill is based on the deep-rooted legal prejudices of Southern American small town life. After shooting the white rapists of his ten year old daughter, Carl Lee Hailey (
Samuel L. Jackson) is placed on trial for their murders. With his close friend Jake Briggance (
Matthew McConaughey) representing him in court, the plot revolves around the moral dilemma of whether Carl Lee can defend his actions in the eyes of the law. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7f-BgDgpmE In this film the action outside of the courtroom is just as thrilling as that within. The tension that builds between communities and individuals throughout the course of the narrative is gripping. With solid performances from all the cast, this is definitely worth a watch if you enjoy getting wound up by vile characters and screaming for justice at your television!