CONVICTION (2010)

Conviction (2010)

Genre: Drama, Biography

Director: Tony Goldwyn

Writer: Pamela Gray

Stars: Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell and Melissa Leo 

My score 4/5

When her brother is convicted of a crime which he didn’t do and goes to jail for life without parole, a sister devote her life to become a lawyer and get him out of prison. Simple this may sounds it takes 18 years to complete. And that’s the ‘Conviction’. And behold this is not just a sugar coated tear breaking drama of fiction but true life events that does a better job than fiction. 

Hillary Swank plays the sister (Betty Ann Waters) who is married with two teenage sons and husband separated just for the very reason of her obsession of getting her brother out of jail which ultimately hits the balance of her family. Swank does a commendable job in the role showing off her brutal ability of portraying woman with courage once again after her Oscar winning ‘Million Dollar Baby’ in 2004.

Sam Rockwell plays the brother (Kenny Waters) who is a small time felon back home, always getting in to trouble where ever he goes and first choice of the police department when something  goes wrong in that small town. But for sure when he was convicted of a brutal murder he had nothing to do with it but had no choice but to go behind bars for the rest of his life. Sam somehow has this thing for crooks and prison roles which I loved from the time he played Wild Bill in the ‘Green Mile’ (1999). And this time he is a convicted murderer with a heart that he well plays. 

Just as the plot is very touching and extraordinary the story telling itself is well done. Starting from the scene of the murder back in 1980 and swing back and forth with the lives of Betty and Kenny it gives a vast understanding of changing times and hardships both has to go though to reach their ultimate goal.

And the building up of characters which is a severe element in this kind of movies is brilliantly done. If not you might actually won’t feel the weight on Betty Ann’s chest and the relief and gratitude on Kenny mind. 

Coming from a director with a TV background; ‘Conviction’ is a must watch for anyone who believes that family values still exist. And when you set your heart and mind in to something that something can be achieved. And the most important thing is not the time it takes but the way you react to the challenges you face and whole heartedly believing in the cause. 

Trailer