Ghosts of Mississippi

Synopsis

Ghosts of Mississippi, a 1996 drama directed by Rob Reiner, recounts the notorious assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers in 1963 and the subsequent trial that took place more than 30 years later. The film follows assistant district attorney Bobby DeLaughter, portrayed by Alec Baldwin, as he seeks justice for the long-overlooked crime. With the help of Myrlie Evers, Medgar's widow, played by Whoopi Goldberg, DeLaughter takes on the daunting task of prosecuting the accused murderer, Byron De La Beckwith, expertly played by James Woods. As the trial unfolds, deep-seated racial tensions and the struggle for accountability come to the forefront, challenging the characters' beliefs and the community's conscience.

Cast

• 

  Alec Baldwin

  Bobby DeLaughter

• 

  Whoopi Goldberg

  Myrlie Evers

• 

  James Woods

  Byron De La Beckwith

• 

  Craig T. Nelson

  Ed Peters

• 

  Susanna Thompson

  Peggy Lloyd

• 

  Lucas Black

  Burt DeLaughter

Reviews

Ghosts of Mississippi delves into the bittersweet pursuit of justice, illuminating the enduring impact of racial prejudice on society. Critics have praised the performances of the stellar cast, particularly Alec Baldwin's portrayal of DeLaughter, which epitomizes the character's transformation from skeptic to crusader. The poignant moments shared between Goldberg and Baldwin add emotional depth to the narrative, resonating with viewers on a personal level. However, some critics have pointed out the film's occasional pacing issues, noting that it could benefit from tighter editing. Overall, Ghosts of Mississippi stands as a powerful testament to the perseverance of those who seek to right the wrongs of the past, garnering appreciation for its timely message and compelling storytelling. IMDb gives it a rating of 6.7/10, while Rotten Tomatoes indicates a score of 43%.