Mississippi Burning (1988)

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Mississippi Burning is an all-names-changed dramatization of the Ku Klux Klan's murders of three civil rights workers in 1964. Investigating the mysterious disappearances of the three activists are FBI agents Gene Hackman (older, wiser) and Willem Dafoe (younger, idealistic). A Southerner himself, Hackman charms and cajoles his way through the tight-lipped residents of a dusty Mississippi town while Dafoe acts upon the evidence gleaned by his partner. Hackman solves the case by exerting his influence upon beauty-parlor worker Frances McDormand, who wishes to exact revenge for the beatings inflicted upon her by her Klan-connected husband Brad Dourif. Many critics took the film to task for its implication that the Civil Rights movement might never have gained momentum without its white participants; nor were the critics happy that the FBI was shown to utilize tactics as brutal as the Klan's. The title Mississippi Burning is certainly appropriate: nearly half the film is taken up with scenes of smoke and flame. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

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.

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

127 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

Alan Parker

Writer(s):

Alan Parker, Chris Gerolmo

Producer(s):

Robert F. Colesberry, Frederick Zollo

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Adult Situations, Not For Children, Violence, Profanity, Adult Language)

Categories:

Drama

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• 1989 - Mississippi Burning - Berlin International Film Festival - Silver Bear for Best Actor
• 1989 - Mississippi Burning - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Editing Award
• 1989 - Mississippi Burning - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Cinematography
• 1990 - Mississippi Burning - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Sound Award
• 1989 - Mississippi Burning - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Sound Award
• 1990 - Mississippi Burning - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Sound Award
• 1988 - Mississippi Burning - National Board of Review - Best Director
• 1988 - Mississippi Burning - National Board of Review - Best Actor
• 1988 - Mississippi Burning - National Board of Review - Best Picture
• 1988 - Mississippi Burning - National Board of Review - Best Supporting Actress