Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)

46% of critics liked it
(28 reviews)
64% of users liked it
(8,272 ratings)

This is a long-awaited film telling the story of the trials of Medgar Evers' killer. Medger Evers (James Pickens, Jr.) was a black civil-rights activist in Mississippi who was shot to death in 1963. Despite very persuasive evidence that Byron De La Beckwith (James Woods) was indeed his killer, the… More This is a long-awaited film telling the story of the trials of Medgar Evers' killer. Medger Evers (James Pickens, Jr.) was a black civil-rights activist in Mississippi who was shot to death in 1963. Despite very persuasive evidence that Byron De La Beckwith (James Woods) was indeed his killer, the all-white juries hearing his case at that time acquitted him (he was tried twice). In this film, with the aid of Ever's widow Myrlie (Whoopie Goldberg), Bobby DeLaughter (Alec Baldwin), a young lawyer, gathers enough new evidence to bring Beckwith in for a third trial. Woods' performance as a wise-cracking bigot is one of the film's highlights. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr. 10 min.
Directed By: Rob Reiner
Written By: Lewis Colick
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1997 Wide
On DVD: Jan 18, 2000
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Strangely devoid of any emotional weight.
Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
Well intended film with James Woods Oscar worthy in a key role.
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
Strong performances but just another movie about civil rights issues that pays too much attention to the white characters.
Frank Ochieng, Movie Eye
Reiner's intermittingly preachy but nevertheless powerful and poignant portrait of hostility and racial strife during one of the ugliest chapters in contemporary American history
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Convincingly plumbs the spiritual impules behind the yearning for justice.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Todd S

This is one of my favorite historical movies ever made. What I really love about this film is just how accurate it is. The film is based on a book written by the prosecutor, Bobby DeLaughter, and before the film was made, all the actually people involved were interviewed and allowed… More
This is one of my favorite historical movies ever made. What I really love about this film is just how accurate it is. The film is based on a book written by the prosecutor, Bobby DeLaughter, and before the film was made, all the actually people involved were interviewed and allowed to give their input into how their characters were developed. The story takes place in 1990 and is about the third re-trial of the man accused of killing civil right leader Medger Evers in the 1960's. Alec Baldwin portrays the prosecutor, and while I am by no means a fan of his, he was truly great in this film. I wish he'd stick to roles like this instead of trying to be funny, because he's not funny. Whoopi Goldberg, remains one of the most underrated actresses in Hollywood and was just amazing here. This is a top notch, historically accurate drama that every history buff needs to see. I honestly can't recommend it enough!
Daisy M

<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i32.tinypic.com/27yrew0.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> Ghost of Mississippi tells the story of a retrial of the case of… More
<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i32.tinypic.com/27yrew0.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> Ghost of Mississippi tells the story of a retrial of the case of Medgar Evers, a nigger was killed many years ago, and the killer was never convicted. Alec Baldwin performance as Bobby De Laughter, the DA that reopened the case was amazing. James Woods role as the killer Beckwith, not an easy role, was also great and Whoopi Goldberg, in a serious role, as the widow Myrlie, was totally believable.The fact that it was based on a true story makes it more interesting.
Leo L

An amazing film!
Wu C

Woods is great as usual as a racist redneck.