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The Accused (1988)

The Accused (1988)
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Based on a real-life 1983 incident, The Accused tells the story of Sarah Tobias (Jodie Foster), a working-class party girl who likes to live it up with her friends and flirt hard with the guys. After a fight with her boyfriend, she heads to a local bar to cool down -- and after a few drinks, plus some dancing and flirting, she finds herself thrown on top of a pinball machine and gang-raped by a bunch of locals, while others watch and cheer the proceedings. District attorney Kathryn Murphy (Kelly McGillis) takes Sarah's case but quickly negotiates a plea bargain in which the attackers' charges are reduced to reckless endangerment. Her reason: defense attorneys could use Sarah's not-so-pretty past to paint her as "asking for it," getting their clients off completely. But a stunned Sarah accuses Murphy of selling her out, and when the lawyer sees how the incident continues to destroy Sarah's life, she decides she must seek true justice. This time, she goes after the crowd of onlookers for "criminal solicitation" -- those who were egging the rapists on. Foster won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

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Starring:
Kelly McGillis, Jodie Foster, (more)
Director(s):
Jonathan Kaplan
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Accused

Based on a real-life 1983 incident, The Accused tells the story of Sarah Tobias (Jodie Foster), a working-class party girl who likes to live it up with her friends and flirt hard with the guys. After a fight with her boyfriend, she heads to a local bar to cool down -- and after a few drinks, plus some dancing and flirting, she finds herself thrown on top of a pinball machine and gang-raped by a bunch of locals, while others watch and cheer the proceedings. District attorney Kathryn Murphy (Kelly McGillis) takes Sarah's case but quickly negotiates a plea bargain in which the attackers' charges are reduced to reckless endangerment. Her reason: defense attorneys could use Sarah's not-so-pretty past to paint her as "asking for it," getting their clients off completely. But a stunned Sarah accuses Murphy of selling her out, and when the lawyer sees how the incident continues to destroy Sarah's life, she decides she must seek true justice. This time, she goes after the crowd of onlookers for "criminal solicitation" -- those who were egging the rapists on. Foster won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
110 mins

Complete Cast of The Accused


Director(s):
Jonathan Kaplan
Writer(s):
Tom Topor
Producer(s):
Sherry Lansing, Stanley Jaffe
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Violence, Adult Situations, Rape & Sexual Abuse, Nudity, Not For Children, Profanity)
The Accused Awards:
  • 1988 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
  • 1988 - National Board of Review - Best Actress
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
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    Michael C.

    ...portrail of how the legal system works (or doesn't work) regarding victims of sexual violence. Good illustration of a real victim and proves that they cannot be judged by their behavior before or after rape. Most authorities want to see a totally broken victim or suspicions arise. There is no single behavior that proves or disproves rape. It was, for the most part, realistic and many battered women's shelters use this film in traning advocates for victims/survivors of sexual violence. Difficut to watch at times, McGillis and Foster do an excellent job of depicting the real life posibilities and the struggles of the victim - no matter how s/he may appear on the outside. Engaging and thought provoking and certainly worth a viewing for both men and women. Highly recommended for those in the helping professions and law enforcement as it does help to destroy several myths about the rapist, the victim and the system.

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    Scott S.

    as much as this movie is about rape & our system of laws...it is also about the disturbing moral fiber that constitutes many of the people we have to deal with "in & out of the workplace." Kudos to the pinball-playing guy who testifyed in court against his own friends who participated in the rape. It takes alot of courage to do the right thing...even more so, when so many around you are morally bankrupt. I forget, who is it again who makes our laws? Great movie...I only wish that some of those who view it might re-examine their own responsibilities in this world.

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    LaToshia L.

    I just want to say that I agree w/Michael C. I love the way Jodie and Kelly played their role, excellent. I really loved this movie, I wonder are they playing any other movies w/each other? Great movie, I would recommend it to anyone.

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