Mississippi Burning

Starring:Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand, Brad Dourif, R. Lee Ermey, Gailard Sartain, Stephen Tobolowsky, Michael Rooker, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Badja Djola, Kevin Dunn, Frankie Faison, Tom Mason, Geoffrey Nauffts, Rick Zieff, Christopher White, Gladys Greer, Jake Gipson, Dianne Lancaster, Stanley W. Collins
Director: Alan Parker
Studio: Image Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe star in this well-intentioned and largely successful civil rights-era thriller. Mississippi Burning, using the real-life 1964 disappearance of three civil rights workers as its inspiration, tells the story of two FBI men (Hackman and Dafoe, entertainingly called "Hoover Boys" by the locals) who come in to try to solve the crime. Hackman is a former small-town Mississippi sheriff himself, while Dafoe is a by-the-numbers young hotshot. Yes, there is some tension between the two. The movie has an interesting fatalism, as all the FBI's best efforts incite more and more violence, which becomes disturbing--the film's message, perhaps inadvertently, seems to be that vigilantism is the only real way to get things done. The brilliant Frances McDormand, here early in her career, is not given enough to do but still does it well enough to have racked up an Oscar® nomination for Best Supporting Actress. (Hackman also received a nomination for Best Actor, and the film won an Academy Award for Cinematography). The story line of Mississippi Burning is ultimately unsatisfying--it is, after all, the story of white men coming in to rescue poor blacks--but it is beautifully shot and very watchable and features a terrific cast playing at the top of their games. --Ali Davis

Customer Reviews:

Mississppi Burning, A Hard Thing to Endure.......2007-03-15

This product was very informative and thought provoking. I have viewed this film before, but as I viewed it with my daughter I was given an opportunity to teach as we watched. I have never "to my knowledge" experienced many of the things that the film depicted, but I am a recipient of the many the blessings that the suffering of that time has produced. The timing and issues of this film are still relevant today, but the faces may longer be found behind a mask.

WELL, HUH, GENE HACKMAN IS GREAT........2007-02-17

IF YOU WANT PASSION. WATCH THIS MOVIE. HACKMAN'S PASSION FOR GETTING THE BAD GUYS IS REALLY A GREAT TREAT TO WATCH.

Mississippi Burning.......2007-01-23

Very important story, historically and socially speaking, which although disturbing and appalling, is presented in a passionate and interesting way. Excellent acting.

A great movie. My favorite film for use of character actors........2006-08-02

This is a powerful movie. Movies of this genre are bound to receive various political perspectives. But that doesn't lessen the impact of this movie. In many ways you feel Mississippi during the era involved. Not just in the politics and bigotry, but in the countryside presented itself. There are some subtle allusions that assist in creating a feel for the town this movie takes place in. Gene Hackman and William DaFoe are fabulous in their lead roles, as is Frances McDormand. But to me, the real reason to watch this movie is the incomparable collection of character actors, my favorite movie in that category. it's a treasure trove. You can debate the angle of many of the most popular civil rights movies, their message, be it explicit or implied. But the performances by this ensemble cast and the backdrop of Mississippi make this one of the most watchable movies of the genre. From R. Lee Ermey (Gunnery Sgt. in "Full Metal Jacket") and Stephen Tobolowski (Needle Nose Ned in "Groundhog Day") - 2 of the most renowned character actors playing the mayor and Clayton Townley, head of the Klan, respectively- to Brad Dourif, Michael Rooker, Gailard Sartain, Pruitt Taylor Vince- all playing loathsome bigots. Tobin Bell will be a familiar face as well in his small role as an FBI agent in the latter part of the film. Even James F. Moore who plays a simple barber with a pittance for dialogue is essential to the feel of this moving film. It's the character actors who steal this show. it's an outstanding film with crystal clear DVD remastering in sound and quality, There are several memorable scenes integral to the story (Hackman's encounter with Frank Bailey at "the club") and naturally the scenes that accompany such a film that stir the audience into righteous outrage. For the purposes of this movie, everything and everybody clicks. There are some gripping behind the scene stories as to the extent actors like the great Stephen Tobolowski went to dig into their roles, making their performances all the more effective and proven on the final print. When I started buying DVDs, this was on the top of my list. It's a steal at the often found bargain price.

Entertaining.......2006-06-29

Although loosely based upon the true-life story of the murders of three young civil rights workers in Neshoba County, Mississippi in 1964, history gives way to an entertaining crime drama with a superb cast, particularly Gene Hackman, who gives perhaps his best performance ever. It is a compelling, fast-moving story which will doubtless keep the viewer entertained. As a good piece of drama, MB excels. However, for a far more interesting (and factual) version of the story, read Don Whitehead's "Attack on Terror". Enjoy the movie, but view it as drama, not history.

Average customer rating:

Mississppi Burning, A Hard Thing to Endure
WELL, HUH, GENE HACKMAN IS GREAT.
Mississippi Burning
A great movie. My favorite film for use of character actors.
Entertaining

Mississippi Burning
Starring: Gene Hackman , Willem Dafoe , Frances McDormand , Brad Dourif , and R. Lee Ermey
Director: Alan Parker
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Crime & Criminals | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Ghosts of Mississippi
Rosewood
The Long Walk Home
Malcolm X
Amistad

ASIN: 6305075352
Release Date: 1998-05-27

Amazon.com

Under the slick, professional direction of Alan Parker, Mississippi Burning is the kind of film that will either draw you into its emotionally volatile sphere of influence or outrage you with its repugnant, manipulative revision of American civil rights history. The fact-based story brings two highly different FBI agents (Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe) to Mississippi to investigate the murders of three young black men who had been promoting black voter registration. The key to solving the murders is the testimony of a local deputy's wife (Frances McDormand) who is struggling to break free of her husband's racist influence. As critic Pauline Kael argued, "...the movie hinges on the ploy that the FBI men can't stop the Ku Klux Klan from its terrorism against blacks until they swing over to vigilante tactics. And we're put in the position of applauding the FBI's dirtiest forms of intimidation. This cheap gimmick undercuts the whole civil rights subject; it validates the terrorist methods of the Klan." Or you can take the view of Roger Ebert, who named Mississippi Burning "the best film of 1988"; it would earn seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Actor (Hackman), Supporting Actress (McDormand), and Director. Which reaction is most appropriate? Both are, depending on your particular point of view. At the very least the performances are dynamic, but there's more to this provocative film than fine acting. We suggest you check it out and form your own opinion. --Jeff Shannon

Description

This gripping drama earned an Academy Award for Best Cinematography and stars Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe as FBI agents tracking civil rights workers in 1964.

Customer Reviews:

Mississppi Burning, A Hard Thing to Endure.......2007-03-15

WELL, HUH, GENE HACKMAN IS GREAT........2007-02-17

IF YOU WANT PASSION. WATCH THIS MOVIE. HACKMAN'S PASSION FOR GETTING THE BAD GUYS IS REALLY A GREAT TREAT TO WATCH.

Mississippi Burning.......2007-01-23

Very important story, historically and socially speaking, which although disturbing and appalling, is presented in a passionate and interesting way. Excellent acting.

A great movie. My favorite film for use of character actors........2006-08-02

Entertaining.......2006-06-29

Average customer rating:

Mississippi Burning [Region 2]
Starring: Gene Hackman , Willem Dafoe , Frances McDormand , Brad Dourif , and R. Lee Ermey
Director: Alan Parker
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005KISG

Average customer rating:

Mississppi Burning, A Hard Thing to Endure
WELL, HUH, GENE HACKMAN IS GREAT.
Mississippi Burning
A great movie. My favorite film for use of character actors.
Entertaining

Mississippi Burning [Region 2]
Starring: Gene Hackman , Willem Dafoe , Frances McDormand , Brad Dourif , and R. Lee Ermey
Director: Alan Parker
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Ghosts of Mississippi
Rosewood
The Long Walk Home
Malcolm X
Amistad

ASIN: B00005N96A

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Mississppi Burning, A Hard Thing to Endure.......2007-03-15

WELL, HUH, GENE HACKMAN IS GREAT........2007-02-17

IF YOU WANT PASSION. WATCH THIS MOVIE. HACKMAN'S PASSION FOR GETTING THE BAD GUYS IS REALLY A GREAT TREAT TO WATCH.

Mississippi Burning.......2007-01-23

Very important story, historically and socially speaking, which although disturbing and appalling, is presented in a passionate and interesting way. Excellent acting.

A great movie. My favorite film for use of character actors........2006-08-02

Entertaining.......2006-06-29

Average customer rating:

Mississppi Burning, A Hard Thing to Endure
WELL, HUH, GENE HACKMAN IS GREAT.
Mississippi Burning
A great movie. My favorite film for use of character actors.
Entertaining

Mississippi Burning [Region 2]
Starring: Gene Hackman , Willem Dafoe , Frances McDormand , Brad Dourif , and R. Lee Ermey
Director: Alan Parker
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Ghosts of Mississippi
Rosewood
The Long Walk Home
Malcolm X
Amistad

ASIN: B00004RYWC

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Mississppi Burning, A Hard Thing to Endure.......2007-03-15

WELL, HUH, GENE HACKMAN IS GREAT........2007-02-17

IF YOU WANT PASSION. WATCH THIS MOVIE. HACKMAN'S PASSION FOR GETTING THE BAD GUYS IS REALLY A GREAT TREAT TO WATCH.

Mississippi Burning.......2007-01-23

Very important story, historically and socially speaking, which although disturbing and appalling, is presented in a passionate and interesting way. Excellent acting.

A great movie. My favorite film for use of character actors........2006-08-02

Entertaining.......2006-06-29

Average customer rating:

Mississippi Burning [Region 2]
Starring: Gene Hackman , Willem Dafoe , Frances McDormand , Brad Dourif , and R. Lee Ermey
Director: Alan Parker
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00004VXWR

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

L.A.P.D.: To Protect and to Serve

Canterbury Tales : DVD

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [Ultimate Gift Set] [4 Discs] [19

DVD: Heart of Glass

Casper - Der freundliche Geist