Watch True Blue

True Blue is a 1996 American drama film directed by Ferdinand Fairfax, based on a true story. The movie is set in the 1960s and portrays an event in the life of Mike Pressler, a lacrosse coach at Duke University in North Carolina. The story begins with the Duke lacrosse team celebrating a victory during their spring break in Florida. However, the celebrations come to an abrupt end when one of the team's athletes accuses three of his teammates of rape. The victim is a stripper who had been hired by the team for a party. The allegations cause a stir across the country, with many people condemning the Duke lacrosse team and accusing the players of being entitled and privileged.

Mike Pressler, the team's coach, is put in a difficult position. He had built the lacrosse team into a top-ranked program and had high hopes for their season. However, the rape allegations put his job at risk and threaten to destroy the team he had worked so hard to create. Pressler is torn between his loyalty to his players and his duty to Duke University and the legal system.

As the investigation into the allegations continues, it becomes apparent that the evidence against the accused players is thin. The alleged victim's story is inconsistent, and the DNA evidence fails to match any of the players. However, the media attention and public outcry against the Duke lacrosse team only intensify. The players are vilified in the press, and their families are harassed and threatened.

Johan Leysen plays the role of Richard T. Brodhead, the president of Duke University, who must navigate through the scandal and deal with the public pressure to punish the accused players. Dominic West portrays Mike Pressler, who tries to keep his team together while dealing with the fallout from the accusations. Dylan Baker portrays Jim Coleman, a prominent defense attorney who represents one of the players accused of rape.

True Blue is a thought-provoking film that explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the media's impact on public opinion. The script does not take sides and presents both the accuser's and the accused players' perspectives. It shows the complexities of the legal process and how personal biases can cloud judgment.

The film's director, Ferdinand Fairfax, does an excellent job of capturing the 1960s setting, from the music to the clothing and attitudes. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with the camera work adding to the tension and drama of the story.

Overall, True Blue is a compelling film that raises questions about the legal system and the role of the media in shaping public opinion. The movie's powerful performances, thoughtful script, and stylish direction make it a movie worth watching.