Rating: 
Summary: Denzel Washington rocks!
Review: If my parents hadn't rented it and let me borrow it for the night, I would have never picked it up on my own. I mean, come on ~~ what girl would want to read about a has-been prize fighter? This is one of the best movies I have yet to see this year ~~ full of passion, glory, eloquence and poetic photography. Carter was framed for a murder he didn't commit ~~ all because he was black. And from the first scene, I guarantee, you will become hooked. You will become embroiled in a man's fight for survival in one of the harshest places in the world ~~ where a man is not even human. You will feel the rage and hatred he has felt for the white race. And you will feel despair, anger and even hope. And it will make you want to believe that the justice system isn't always wrong ~~ that on occasion, the truth will come to light after a long battle. Denzel Washington portrays Rubin "Hurricane" Carter with conviction, passion and eloquency. He will take you inside of a man's mind on a horrendous journey in a life filled with anger and hate. And you will grow with Carter throughout his life span. I don't know much about Civil Rights movement like I should. I did read the require reading when younger, but it doesn't become personal to someone who has never experienced racial prejudice. This movie, however, is making me think and helps me become more interested in one of the most troubled times in the 1900s. It has made me more aware of just how bitter and cruel the fight that all African-Americans have fought ~~ and they still cling to that fight ~~ even now, when things are supposedly better. I highly recommend this movie to anyone. It is a thought-provoking movie ~~ one that shouldn't be taken lightly. I can guarantee that Washington's talents will take you along a journey that you will never forget.
Rating:
Summary: The Hurricane Message is a Hurrciane
Review: Hell yes I was Inspired by this Movie! The First rating on this pg was written as you can see by a racist. Who cares if the fu**ing movie did not go staight by the book no movie does. It must have been powerful and great for you to down grade it like that. This is a Great Movie that brings to life the hate that this man went through which is still infecting (SLIVEDS) like the ignorant bad review of this movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Believable and nicely captured true story
Review: The Hurricane Score: 84/100 This movie is not what I expected it to be. I thought it would be a boring time-waster for me and a couple of friends to sit through just to waste a couple of hours of the day. But, I was wrong. I found myself enthralled in the dramatic events of The Hurricane, and it was a pleasant surprise. The film tells the true story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter (Denzel Washington), an African-American man who rose above his troubled youth to become a top contender for the middle-weight boxing title. However, his dreams are shattered when he is accused of a triple murder, and is convicted to three natural-life terms. Despite becoming a cause celebre and his dogged efforts to prove his innocence through his autobiography, the years of fruitless efforts have left him discouraged. This changes when an African-American boy, Lesra (Vicellous Reon Shannon) and his Canadian mentors read his book and are convinced of his innocence enough to work for his exoneration. However, what Hurricane and his friends learn is that this fight puts them against a racist establishment that profited from this travesty and have no intention of seeing it reversed. It may sound boring, but this is an engaging story that is superbly acted by a group of talents; Denzel Washington most notably as Rubin, his performance burns in memory, and is one of the most believable portrayals of a hero in recent memory. The supporters aren't a touch bad either; Vicellous Reon Shannon gives an impressive role as our hero's supporter, while John Hannah and Deborah Kara Unger are both watchable and rightly cast. Director Norman Jewison's view of race and African-American life is quite stunning, and he gives the film a real backbone. An underrated little gem, The Hurricane, if not perfect, remains continuously watchable and should be seen by all who enjoyed Jewison's previous efforts.
Rating:
Summary: The Truth And Nothing But..
Review: First off, let me start by saying that I own and have read all 3 books about Rubin "Hurricane" Carter - his autobiography, the "The 16th Round", "Lazarus and the Hurricane", by the Canadians living in Toronto, and "Hurricane: the miraculous story of Rubin Carter", by James Hirsch. I have two points to make here, and they involve the disgusting, absurd claims by various media individuals about the film's factual authenticity. I cannot recall ANY film EVER being held to the type of scrutiny by the media as this one, almost as if the "Hollywood Establishment" (i.e. racist white Oscar voters) tried to put an albatross on this film so as to slow down any momentum it might have had for Denzel. It was laughable watching the media declare how the film's details may not have been absolutely accurate. Was Saving Private Ryan ABSOLUTELY factual? No - no film is. My point is that the liberties taken here were no worse or different than the average biographical sketch, and this film was not a documentary. The NJ police/judicial system was racist (and may still be with the racial profiling issue in the news there lately), and the "best" evidence against Carter was highly questionable at most. (For example, the eyewitness description was of 2 tall black men, over 6 feet, and Rubin is 5' 7". Even better, the main testimony against Carter was from a convicted felon who recanted 3 times.) If the worst mistake of the filmmakers was to create a composite of this system using the Detective in the film, any reasonable person who has READ THE BACKGROUND of Carter's story would find it acceptable. As far as the NY Times reported not getting his due in the credits, he wasn't involved in getting Carter released from jail, or in Carter's larger story, as it was not through him that Lesra (or the Canadians) learned about Carter's plight in prison. If you read the books, you will understand how little of substance was changed, which had no relevance to the story. Second, that Denzel was unfairly bypassed for the Oscar has only cemented my opinion how truly racist and illigitemate the Oscars really are. In 1990, after Morgan Freeman was also robbed for his portrayal in "Driving Ms Daisy," I decided I would no longer watch them. Once again with Denzel, history repeats itself. I am not knocking K. Spacey, who is as fine an actor as one might find, but Denzel's role was far more demanding, and his performance was simply better. The movie was very well made, and the absurd media frenzy at the time was really pathetic. It didn't even exist until the NY Times reporter, (who stopped working for the Times right about when this whole episode began), opened his mouth requesting he receive some recognition now that Carter is a free man. (I will not use his real name so I will not provide him any undo recognition either). It took away from the film receiving its just due: a superbly acted and crafted drama. I recommend it to all those seeking intelligent films that make you think about the type of world we live in.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best films of the year
Review: This could have been just another perfuctory anti-racism film that Hollywood puts out from time to time, but the story was good one and the acting was great, especially Denzel's. It was a legitimate contender for best picture. I can't say that about some other films that were nominated.
Rating:
Summary: The story that impressed me much...
Review: I saw the movie by Norman Jewison and i have different feelings! I never knew that life can be so cruel& sudden! I was suprised! I felt pain when Rubin was taken into prison...And felt happiness and joy when he met his canadian friends!The final of the movie was unexpected. To my mind,"The Hurricane" is a brilliant,splendid and it's very deep in ideas , thoughts.It's intense,heartfelt,serious.After watching the movie i want to read a book by Rubin Carter"The Sixteenth Round"!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Moving and inspired!
Review: "The Hurricane" comes along at the end of a year when movies seemed to be dwindling, and basically saves the day for those looking for an excellent film full of insight, vision, and emotion. It tells a harrowing story that seems to get right to the core of our own spirit and enlighten us when it is all over and done with. The length may be a bit of a test on patience for some, but those willing to stick through it will be tremendously satisfied by the powerful lead and supporting performances, which make up for whatever problems you may have with it. The film tells the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, who rose to boxing fame in the 1960's and was wrongly convicted of murder in 1967. The film is all told through his point of view, which gives it a much more personal feeling. Most of the beginning section is composed of flashbacks to his childhood and boxing bouts, moving on in years to his encounter with a young woman and their marriage. One night in a local bar, innocent people are killed, and Rubin and his friend are charged with the murders. While he is in prison, Carter, becomes defiant, refusing to wear the clothes given him by the guards, yet he never flinches when he is punished, and takes his sentence like a true hero. All of this is played to stunning and poignant perfection by Denzel Washington, in one of the best performances of his career. By the end of the movie, he has gone through so much, caused so many people to take a stand in their life, given so much life to the character that we are left with nothing but true respect for his work here. He plays the subject matter with astute authenticity, while adding his own charms and charisma to the part as well. I found myself cheering him on in certain moments, and he is one of the characters that I've cared for most in a movie. As the story progresses into its second half, a young boy by the name of Lezra is introduced. He is living with three Canadians in Toronto, yet it is never stated exactly what they are doing. There is a scene that involves Lezra's parents, but even from that, the true motives of the group is never revealed. Not that this is a hindering factor. Lezra comes across Carter's autobiography in a used book sale, and immediately becomes entranced by the story of Carter's life. He shares his feelings with the Canadians, even writes to Carter, and after a period of exchanging letters, Lezra ventures to Trenton State Prison to visit him. There is a father-son motif here, one that keeps the heart of the movie moving for the final third. Lezra does have a father, yes, but seeing him and Rubin Carter together gives the feeling that he could get along and communicate a lot easier with Carter than his own father. In fact, in the prison, Carter and Lezra have their photo taken, and the photographer mistakes them for father and son. This relationship is built strongly because of Lezra's will to find out the truth behind Carter's arrest and imprisonment, and bring that truth to light. The Canadians help him with this quest, moving to New Jersey in eye view of the prison, where they dig deeper into the archives and talk with people, including Carter's lawyers. There is a great deal of emotion and heart in this story, and even though it is fictionalized, it still tells a compelling narrative. You can't expect every nuance of the plot to be absolutely accurate in terms of what happened in history; the movies never work like that. The best that you can hope for is that they capture the true heart and nature of the events, and that is what "The Hurricane" does here. The story is not solely about a man's imprisonment for murder, but more about his will to survive and make it through a gruesome ordeal. It is also about hope, the hope of one person who envisions helping to free another person of his confines. All of this is captured beautifully and with intense emotion. The acting ability leaves nothing to be desired here. Denzel does an excellent job, and matches that of his acting in "Malcom X." Lezra is played by Vicellous Reon Shannon, who gives a powerhouse performance with his strength and emotion. The role fits him perfectly, and he plays so well the emotions of a growing teenage boy who is trying to learn about a world full of social hatred and racial segregation. John Hannah, Deborah Unger, and Liev Schreiber portray the three Canadians, who each become fascinated by Carter's story in their own way. These characters are meant to act as a source of comfort for Lezra and inspiration for both he and Carter, while Carter acts as an inspiration for everyone, and they play their parts well. It is not everyday that a movie as emotional and fascinating as this comes along, nor is it very often that we get such powerful acting and terrific plot together in the same movie. Norman Jewison's direction of this film is stellar and rich in supplying emotion, feeling, themes of redemption and reality, and human survival. Carter will always be remembered by those who see this movie, not because of his ordeal, but because of his strength and ability to live through it.
Rating:
Summary: I LIKED IT ALOT !
Review: A TRUE STORY OF A INOCENT MAN CONVICTED OF MURDER.JUST AS HURRICANE IS AT THE TOP OF HIS CAREER IN BOXING SOME BULL STEPPED IN AND KNOCKED HIM OUT AND PUT HIM IN PRISON FOR MORE THAN 16 YEARS.THIS MOVIE IS SAD IN A WAY,I JUST FEEL SORRY WHEN INOCENT PEOPLE GO TO JAIL OR A CRIME THAT WHICH THEY DID NOT COMMIT.I THINK THAT THERES NOT ENOUGH JUSTICE IN THIS COUNTRY. THIS MOVIE IS WORTH THE MONEY BUY IT RIGHT NOW AND LOOK AT WHAT KIND OF GOVERNMENT WE HAVE AND HAD. RUBIN "THE HURRICANE" CARTER
Rating:
Summary: HERE COMES THE STORY OF THE HURRICANE...
Review: Denzel Washington is his intense and spectacular self in this film about injustice and wrongful imprisonment and tampering with evidence, among other injustices that take place all the time. Films like this are infuriating and should be viewed. Even if the movie is overly long and some parts unnecessary, this tells a true story and exposes the truth that justice can be blind and facts conveniently overlooked. As pointed out in the movie Arlington Road, people feel more safe when they think perpetrators of a crime have been apprehended and convicted. No need to worry about that anymore. This film tells the story of Ruben "the Hurricane" Carter who was a champion boxer before he was arrested for and convicted of murder. He spent the majority of his adult life in prison, losing appeal after appeal, until finally a group of people in Canada discover his story, visit him, and decide they are not leaving until Carter is acquitted. Eventually their efforts pay off, but you cannot help but feel angry to see how much of his life was spent needlessly behind bars. And it inevitably leads you to think about the justice system and how many people are wrongfully convicted all the time whether because of corruption of the system or simply by mistake. Or how many people are put to death wrongfully? Films like this are important for the value of the thoughts and hopefully actions they provoke in thoughtful viewers.
Rating:
Summary: Ignore the backlash, marvel at one of todays best actors.
Review: That Mr.washington was again only nominated for an Oscar, and not the recpient is a shame. This movie was wonderful from go, and those who qubble over the legal details and law officer portrayal need to step back and watch the movie unfold. Mr.Washington is intense and convincing as Mr.Carter, and I was impressed with the depth of changes he convayed as the film went on. Moreover,the brief boxing scenes look, sound,and feel more real than any boxing movie ever made,save for Raging Bull. The plot is spliced into many parts because the real story is just as intricate. Did the director ignore some facts and embelish others? More than likely,however this is BASED on a true story, not a documentary on Mr.Carters life. If those who quibble feel so strong about the left outs, than why is there no foul cry about the lack of prison life portrayed. Surely that was a sorrid way to go through 20 odd years of your life, yet Carter is portrayed with the right mix of hope,dignity,and bitterness by Mr.Washington. Buy this movie for all it does right, and it will lift your spirit.
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