pj-naturalfinance Story wise this is definitely 10 stars. Its unclear what dramatic embellishments were made, but it is based on a true story, and there was incredible courage required by those involved to pursue this fight.Its a powerful emotional and human perspective on a horrible injustice that most definitely hasn't been resolved. The end of the movie will tell you the life updates of all the major characters, make sure you pay attention to the DA's.While the movie focuses on racial bias against blacks, the issues of legal persecution apply to all people, and the movie does a fair job in illustrating those impacts. As a social issue, there's been no improvement, and likely worsening, since 2000 or 2008, and that is what makes this movie so fundamental and important.

theauntsavant If you've ever doubted that truth could be stranger than fiction, you won't after viewing American Violet. Based on true events surrounding reluctant and (as a stereotypical unwed teen mom working as a waitress)—unlikely heroine under the pseudonym Dee Roberts, the 2008 release depicts one woman's story. Starting with her arrest in Texas in late 2000, it sheds light on the virtual police state imposed upon residents of a besieged housing project where Roberts, her children, the father of two of her four daughters, and his girlfriend live. The storyline, however, culminates differently then usual Hollywood-scripted endings, in early 2002. You'll be shocked and appalled as the real-life saga, at times more harrowing than a roller coaster ride, unfolds. Multi-layered with a multitude of insightful twists and turns throughout, including Roberts' volatile relationship with her babies' daddy and their embittered back and forth custody battle; you can't write this stuff. The filmmakers note the Texas community represents a microcosm of many U.S. cities plagued by similar problems that exist all over America, and Roberts quickly learns 'the truth will not always set you free.' At the heart of the compelling urban drama is the profound impact of a singular change in Texas judicial law that significantly impacts the penal system, which potentially affects scores of minorities. Thousands were literally swept up in the nearly ten-year, tyrannical reign of terror led by the bigoted district attorney against inhabitants of the public complex to insure they reached maximum numbers of drug convictions. While the cast features mostly unknowns in key supporting parts, veteran stage, screen and TV stars Alfre Woodard (the first black neighbor on Desperate Housewives) as Roberts' mother, and former Roc series lead Charles Dutton in the pivotal role of the local reverend. Hip Hop icon Xzibit, plays Roberts' ex. Brooklyn, NY native Malcolm Barrett distinguishes himself as the second ACLU attorney helping to bring down the corrupt D.A. and overtly racist drug enforcement agency.Directed by Tim Disney, grandnephew of Walt, American Violet is world's apart from the classic animated features and family-oriented comedies the family business was built on. This Disney is adapting serious themes to entertain, as well as inform and enlighten.

chatkinson After seeing this movie at an Atlanta, Georgia screening, it was like being sucker punched and having all the wind knocked out. And this is a docu-drama based on a real like event. I've seen all that mess and more, have a better understanding of how and why 92 year old Katheryn Johnston was murdered. Why I see the police all the time except when I call them for help (that's not why they are in my neighborhood). The truly false perception of how well the DA's, Judges and police are doing their jobs but what they do is no more than busy work, never accomplishing a thing. And jails are the only industry in America that is growing. When was the last time you went to the store to buy a prison? Stopped in a showroom to look at the latest model prison? I don't recall asking for new prisons or more prisons; they was the ideas of politicians and investors (so you know there's money involved somewhere). And the 2 Federal Judges that were convicted for taking bribed (paid $2.5 million) to lengthen sentence in juvenile cases. We need to talk about this or we'll all end up behind bars. And this is all allowed, by law, because of the wording in the 13th Amendment giving slavery and involuntary servitude a legal place in America.

Matt Gilbert Muckraker film makes for interesting socio-political cautionary tale, but plot is full of holes and lacks depth. Racism is a delicate subject to cover, and in our current political climate, generally can't be covered with nuance and depth. Will Patton gives a fine performance as the local white attorney who takes a courageous stand. His character has an arc, but the rest are flat. Nicole Beharie is beautiful and charming, and turns in a fine performance with the substandard material she's given. That said, is Texas Stalinist Russia in that people are hauled away in broad daylight, without charges or Miranda Rights? I thought the case would have been thrown out on that basis alone. More plot holes - lots - but I would prefer to avoid spoilers. Not terrible, only fair.