This film is the true story of middleweight boxing
champion "Hurricane" Carter, who was framed for a triple
murder. It took 20 years and an extraordinary chain of events
before he was freed.
The good news is that "The Hurricane" is one of the better "inspiring true story" dramas Hollywood has ever cranked out. The production is lavish but exceptionally sharp, and the performances are really super. I'd say Denzel Washington deserves the Oscar for his work here. (He trained for a year and lost 60 pounds to get in shape for the boxing scenes, which, by the way, are excellent.) Dan Hedaya (the guy who played Nixon in "Dick") would be a shoo-in if they had an Oscar for "best evil white guy".
This is one of those cases where the true story is so dramatic and incredible, the potential for a movie is obvious. While some liberties were taken for the sake of drama, most of what they show you really happened. I'm glad there was so much devotion towards portraying the real people and events, because the story is pretty darn relevant. What happened to Hurricane Carter is happening to others in this country at this very moment...
My only big complaint is the incidental music. Why does Holywood always have to kick in with that nauseating 90 piece orchestra mush every time someone waxes eloquent? (Once I rule the world, that will no longer be allowed. Write a movie score that meanders in C major and go to jail... it's the law.)
But I digress. "The Hurricane" was entertaining and moving and informative. A definite should-see for everyone.