The Hurricane (1999)

Featured Audience Ratings

• familiar s

  
  "While this picture is based upon a true story, some characters have been composited or invented, and a number of incidents fictionalized." Now that's the disclaimer at the very outset of the movie. So take your pick for who's to be blamed for those having… More
  "While this picture is based upon a true story, some characters have been composited or invented, and a number of incidents fictionalized." Now that's the disclaimer at the very outset of the movie. So take your pick for who's to be blamed for those having problems with fictionalization of true events here. Whatever manipulations and distortions are carried out are probably done taking into account the well-being of the movie makers and its viewers in 'general'. Overall, I was fine with it although I felt that they should have been a bit more specific about certain things when the movie ended. The movie wasn't appropriately edited and could have used some more trimming. Over dramatization was another problem that irritated me. But all in all, it's a watchable fare with regular performances.

• KJ P

  
  The Hurricane is one of the most influential movies I have ever seen. The story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter lives in all of those who watch this film, giving them a sense of belief to never give up on your dreams or whatever the truth may be. Denzel Washington represents a… More
  The Hurricane is one of the most influential movies I have ever seen. The story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter lives in all of those who watch this film, giving them a sense of belief to never give up on your dreams or whatever the truth may be. Denzel Washington represents a picture-perfect image of the real hero. With extremely moving dialogue, grippingly emotional performances, and a story that people would be ashamed not to cry over! The Hurricane is easily one of the best movies I have ever seen!

• E.J. B

  
  The Hurricane is a solid film, and could have benefited from a three hour run time. There are so many aspects to this story and so much ground to cover that I think director Norman Jewison might have slightly edited himself out of an Oscar. That's not to say that this isn't… More
  The Hurricane is a solid film, and could have benefited from a three hour run time. There are so many aspects to this story and so much ground to cover that I think director Norman Jewison might have slightly edited himself out of an Oscar. That's not to say that this isn't a well paced, well put together film, but it's missing that "wow" factor; it's hard to explain, but it's that feeling you get when the credits role and you're still sitting in your seat captivated by what you just saw. I think it's because the film under-develops some of its characters. I wanted to know more about the racist cop who frames Denzel Washington's character, Rubin Carter, for murder. The guy's a prick no doubt, but I wanted to know more about why he does what he does, instead of just seeing him as Satan Incarnate. Also, I wanted to know more about the Canadians who fought tooth and nail to appeal the case; they seemed just as important as Rubin Carter, but the movie doesn't give them enough screen time - but then again, I might be biased because I am a Canadian. Other than that, a solid effort, and Denzel Washington gave another brilliant performance; one of his finest even to this day.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"His greatest fight was for justice."</i> The story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongly imprisoned for murder, and the people who aided in his fight to prove his innocence. <center><font size=+2 face="Century… More
  <i>"His greatest fight was for justice."</i> The story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongly imprisoned for murder, and the people who aided in his fight to prove his innocence. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> "The Hurricane" may have been the best film of 1999. It is the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter (Washington, in an Oscar-nominated role), a middle-weight boxer who was wrongly accused of multiple murders and ended up spending nearly 20 years in a New Jersey prison. Washington is so solid here. He dominates the action. He makes the film succeed all by himself. All the supporters help Washington's cause and Norman Jewison's sharp direction keeps the film intriguing and solid all the way through. In my view, I think that "The Hurricane" was one of the best films of 1999.

• Dan S

  
  An uplifting, competently made true story of a ferocious boxer wrongly imprisoned by a crooked police force in the mid 1960's. While the movie does have a couple problems (such as the rest of the acting cast not coming close to matching Denzel's level, as well as some cheesy… More
  An uplifting, competently made true story of a ferocious boxer wrongly imprisoned by a crooked police force in the mid 1960's. While the movie does have a couple problems (such as the rest of the acting cast not coming close to matching Denzel's level, as well as some cheesy dialogue), the ending really brings it home. It's predictable in a sense but that doesn't make it any less satisfying or moving, as Denzel does an outstanding job making you care for this intense, emotional character. It's a testimony to him really, since this movie could've become a corny Hallmark movie but instead he makes it something riveting and almost tear-jerking. It's definitely a solid film that is worthy of multiple viewings.

• Tim S

  
  Really enjoyable dramatic piece.

• Thomas B

  
  This is a great movie. Denzel Washington captures all of the different stages of Rubin Carter's journey through the whole ordeal.

• Mike S

  
  Long-winded and kind of slow at times, but also very gripping and powerful. The story of Ruben Carter, and the injustice that he became the victim of, is one that touches as much as it upsets. It's scary how easily someone can be wrongfully accused, simply due to the color of… More
  Long-winded and kind of slow at times, but also very gripping and powerful. The story of Ruben Carter, and the injustice that he became the victim of, is one that touches as much as it upsets. It's scary how easily someone can be wrongfully accused, simply due to the color of their skin. Granted that this happened almost half a century ago, but we all know that this kind of prejudice and racism still occurs today. Denzel Washington's performance is quite beyond words and this is the role he should have gotten an Oscar for, as opposed to his work in <i>Training Day</i>. But better late than never I guess. At any rate, it's a movie I think everyone should see. Not only because it has a great story to tell, but because it goes far beyond mere entertainment, and leaves with you something to think about. All in all, a wonderful piece of film-making, that altough being draggy and somewhat flawed, has that little extra magic that makes into an above-average viewing experience.

• Manu G

  
  Excellent spellbounding movie! Just a greatly formed and real life film. In June 1966, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter was a strong contender for the middleweight boxing title. When three people were murdered in a New Jersey bar, Carter's dreams were destroyed. Driving home… More
  Excellent spellbounding movie! Just a greatly formed and real life film. In June 1966, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter was a strong contender for the middleweight boxing title. When three people were murdered in a New Jersey bar, Carter's dreams were destroyed. Driving home from a nearby club, Carter was erroneously arrested for the murders and sentenced to serve three life terms in prison. Several years later, Carter's published memoir, The 16th Round, inspired a Brooklyn teenager and three Canadian activists, who believed in the truth, to join forces with Carter to prove his innocence. Their extraordinary efforts, commitment and love ultimately secured his release, leaving "Hurricane" to sum up his 20 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit by simply stating, "Hate got me into this place, love got me out."

• Lady D

  
  The story of The Hurricane touches me everytime I watch it or read about it. A superb performance by Washington, in one of the most publicised cases of wrongful imprisionment. Twenty-one years served out of his sentance for 3 murders he never comitted along with his socalled… More
  The story of The Hurricane touches me everytime I watch it or read about it. A superb performance by Washington, in one of the most publicised cases of wrongful imprisionment. Twenty-one years served out of his sentance for 3 murders he never comitted along with his socalled accomplis 'John Artis'. Whilst many campaign for his innocence, known and unknown, Carter manages to keep in the right mind by not accepting the treatment of a guilty man. A must see.

• Khris N

  
  Undoubtedly this goes into my Fav movies list. This movie may seem so inspiring to a person after watching it, but if you know and read allt he controversy surrounding Rubin Carter and the Layfayette Shootings, you might be less inclined to trust the movie. Though it is based on a… More
  Undoubtedly this goes into my Fav movies list. This movie may seem so inspiring to a person after watching it, but if you know and read allt he controversy surrounding Rubin Carter and the Layfayette Shootings, you might be less inclined to trust the movie. Though it is based on a true story, there is a lot of facts not shown in the movie which does leave a lot to be desired concerning "the Hurricane". But Im not here to discuss that, Im here to discuss the movie. And it was a damn good movie. Now, whoever Rubin Carter was or what he did in real life, I will never know. what I do know is that Denzel's protrayl of Carter in the movie was excellent. Criminal, soldier, fighter, philosopher, lawyer and mentor.... Denzel did embody nearly every theme presented in the movie and so much more. Forget about the sympathy and selflessness you may experience and the pity and triumphs, cause there is a chance that you maybe sympathising with a highly intelligent criminal with no scruples. But look at the movie itself, and thats what I intended to do. Denzel of course, never put a foot wrong, and his co stars were excellent in following his steps, the movie was carried by him most of the time. The themes, issues and emotions raised in this film is pretty much anything you can think off, and even politics and religion and corruption. Hows that for you right wing fine tuned animals? XD Anyways, the movie is meant to be masterful, and I think it does deliver. I do care whether the movie did in fact stray far from the truth, which was the reason why I havnt watched it earlier, but if you thought it as a piece of fiction and disregarded it as a real life story, it is a great story in a fictional sense. Some hard hitting boxing and great lines delievered by the pro, Denzel is a master and I absolutley love watching his movies.

• Jason S

  
  This is a pretty excellent movie. It might be my favorite Denzel movie. He is brilliant in it and really becomes the character. The story is compelling and the fact that it is a true story makes it awesome.

• Dean !

  
  Possibly the best film I have seen based on a true story. A talented boxer is put in prison for 3 murders he didn't commit, will he ever be able to prove his innocence? If you liked Shawshank Redemption (Who doesn't?) You will like this.

• Jose Z

  
  Liked this movie very much, it has very good action. A very solid performance by Denzel Washington. Such and interesting story based on a true story

• Dean M

  
  Denzel Washington makes an excellent performance in the title lead, but then he's no stranger to uplifting tales of the incredible courage of the human spirit to triumph over adversity.

• danny d

  
  denzel plays rueben carter better than rueben carter plays rueben carter

• Steven V

  
  This is a powerful and compelling look at the life of <i>Rubin "Hurricane" Carter</i> (<i>Denzel Washington</i>) and his highly publicized fight for freedom from imprisonment. Based on a true story, the movie is an in-depth character study including… More
  This is a powerful and compelling look at the life of <i>Rubin "Hurricane" Carter</i> (<i>Denzel Washington</i>) and his highly publicized fight for freedom from imprisonment. Based on a true story, the movie is an in-depth character study including <i>Rubin "Hurricane" Carter</i>'s early life, the murders for which he was incarcerated, his coping with prison and his court battles. Veteran director <i>Norman Jewison</i> creates a tight weave of factors affecting <i>Rubin "Hurricane" Carter</i>'s life: his childhood, the turbulent civil rights movement of the 1960's, and the people who came to his defense. It is an impressive panoply of the forces that swept over his life like a tidal wave. The period props and costumes were well done and accurate in the 1960's scenes. The movie presents some good historical footage of the civil rights movement, but gets a little too preachy at times. This was a superb performance by <i>Denzel Washington</i>, perhaps his best to date. His portrayal of the internal struggle to use his seething anger to help him survive was sensational. <i>Vicellous Reon Shannon</i>'s performance was great too. He exuded sincerity, toughness and genuine empathy, and had very good chemistry with <i>Denzel Washington</i>.

• Chosen 7

  
  Great film, A powerful story and a hurricanin'[yeah I made up a word] ..performance by Denzel Washington

• Leo L

  
  A great movie!

• Tom S

  
  Free Rubin.

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