Watch True Justice: Bryan Stevenson's Fight for Equality
- TV-MA
- 2019
- 1 hr 42 min
-
8.3 (354)
True Justice: Bryan Stevenson's Fight for Equality is a 2019 documentary film that tells the story of a passionate lawyer, Bryan Stevenson and his heroic fight to defend those who have been wrongly convicted and to challenge the broken justice system in the United States. The film sheds light on the life and work of Bryan Stevenson, a Harvard-educated attorney, who founded the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) in Montgomery, Alabama.
Bryan Stevenson is a real-life hero, and the film follows his journey from his early days as a young lawyer to the founding of the EJI. Throughout his career, Stevenson has taken on some of the most challenging cases of wrongful conviction and has fought tirelessly to bring justice to those who have been unfairly sentenced to death or life in prison.
In True Justice, we hear from Stevenson himself, as well as his family members, colleagues, and some of the people who have been directly impacted by his work. Through interviews and archival footage, the film highlights the incredible challenges that Stevenson has faced throughout his career, including racism, death threats, and the opposition of powerful political figures.
The documentary also focuses on some of the specific cases that Stevenson has taken on, including the case of Walter McMillian, an African-American man who was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in 1987, despite his innocence. Through Stevenson's tireless efforts, McMillian was ultimately exonerated and released from prison after six years on death row.
Another case highlighted in the film is that of Anthony Ray Hinton, a man who spent 30 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. Stevenson worked on Hinton's case for over 16 years, and in 2015, Hinton was released from prison and exonerated.
The stories of McMillian and Hinton are just two examples of how Stevenson and the EJI have fought to bring justice to those who have been unfairly treated by the criminal justice system. Through the organization's work, they have successfully challenged the practice of sentencing children to life without parole and have helped to bring about the eradication of lynching memorials in Montgomery, Alabama.
One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its portrayal of the history of racism and its continuing impact on the justice system in the United States. From the legacy of slavery to the Jim Crow era and beyond, the film highlights the ways in which racism has permeated every aspect of the justice system, from policing and sentencing to the death penalty.
True Justice is an incredibly moving and inspiring film that is a must-see for anyone who is passionate about social justice and human rights. Bryan Stevenson's courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the fight for equality are a testament to the power of the human spirit, and an inspiration to us all. Through his work with the Equal Justice Initiative, Stevenson has shown that it is possible to make a real difference in the world, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Overall, True Justice is a powerful film that shines a light on an important and often overlooked issue in the United States. Through its honest and insightful look at the life and work of Bryan Stevenson, the film challenges us all to confront our own biases and work towards building a more just and equitable society.
True Justice: Bryan Stevenson's Fight for Equality is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.