Trial by Fire

Another real-life story that I previously knew nothing about. Edward Zwick is a prominent name in directing, and his name promised a top-notch viewing experience. I have no complaints about the acting; I’m personally surprised that Jack O'Connell wasn’t even nominated for an Oscar—his performance was outstanding. Laura Dern, on the other hand, slightly overacted, which can be understood given the film's subject matter, but at times it was quite noticeable (I just couldn’t understand why she was so actively involved in the case for five years. It was nice of her, yes, but she also neglected her children and her own life after her husband’s death). Otherwise, I liked the direction Zwick took with the storytelling. As a viewer, you really weren’t sure where the so-called truth lay. The ending is emotionally heavy, so expect to shed a tear. Compared to something like The Green Mile, though, it falls short. A solid three stars. For me, 7/10. (26.08.2021)

The director of Blood Diamond and The Last Samurai serves up a little-known courtroom-prison drama that definitely has power. The talented Edward Zwick takes a strong true story, puts in unknown actors to add authenticity, and it works. The main character is sentenced to death in Texas for burning his own children, and the viewer doesn't know until the last moment whether he is guilty or innocent. I enjoyed the trial (although there is less of that than I would have liked) and the prison setting is brilliant – the hazing by the guards is appropriate given the seriousness of the crime. The second half focuses on the woman trying to prove his innocence with a gripping collection of evidence (the crime line works) and a delightful unexpected finale where tissues are definitely a must. A solid little known film that deserves more attention. Story 4/5, Action 0/5, Humour 0/5, Violence 1/5, Fun 4/5 Music 3/5, Visuals 3/5, Atmosphere 4/5, Suspense 2/5, Emotion 4/5. 8/10. (22.08.2021)

Before Laura Dern came on the scene, I didn’t expect much from Trial by Fire. I had the feeling that it wouldn't deviate from the standard template according to which movies about people on death row are usually made. But then the real story of Cameron Todd Willingham began to interest me more and more, until I finally found myself waiting with bated breath to see how it would turn out. The final denouement, in which the largely dysfunctional judicial system played a key role, hit me quite hard. (70%) (09.04.2022)