Heavens Fall

Director: Terry Green
Cast: Timothy Hutton, Anthony Mackie, Leelee Sobieski, David Strathairn, Maury Chaykin, Joseph Lyle Taylor, B.J. Brit
Genre: Drama 2006
Running time: 105 mins.
Rating:★★★★

A tragic true story that began in the spring of 1931 when nine black men were pulled off an Alabama freight train and accused of raping two young white women. The nine young men quickly tried and sentenced to the electric chair. News of their convictions spread, forcing an appeal to the United States Supreme Court. New York attorney Sam Leibowitz (Timothy Hutton) traveled to Alabama in 1933 during segregation to defend the nine young men, setting in motion a legal battle that ultimately changed the lives of everyone involved as well as the American jurisprudence.

"These boys never even had a chance" (Sam Leibowitz played by Timothy Hutton). When the train arrives in Alabama, it seems like a welcoming delight....an ignorant not-so-welcoming delight. Its a black and white attitude where there seems to be no grey area to be found. As the trial continues, it becomes apparent that it is all a grey area. What is the truth and what is a lie? Who is the more uneducated and unethical race? Whose integrity and honor is going to be destroyed and hurt the most? And is the truth enough to save a man's life at this juncture in history? All these questions are brought up over the course of the film, while still leaving you to wonder how humanity can be so cruel? What fear and need to save one's own skin will lead one to lie at the expense of others' vitality. It is reassuring to know that there are people who are willing to fight for equality.

Wonderful use of earth tones and high contrasts in the cinematography. The costume design perfectly reflects the personality of the characters and it is enhanced by the strong performances of the actors.