vincentlynch-moonoi This is a superb film.First of all, it appears to me that this is a reasonably good telling of the real story. Although, it may surprise people to know that the prosecutor played by Alec Baldwin later ended up in prison himself when he became a disgraced judge himself (you can read about it in Wikipedia).But aside from the telling of the story, what impressed me about this film was the quality of the acting, particularly for a couple of people about whom we may have forgotten just how good actors they were.Alec Baldwin is superb as prosecutor Bobby DeLaughter. In fact, I wonder if this may not have been his finest film performance.Whoopi Goldberg is equally excellent (and restrained) as Myrlie Evers, the widow of Medgar Evers.And James Woods, though he plays the villain here, is excellently disgusting as Byron De La Beckwith, the convicted assassin of Medgar Evers.To be honest, it's difficult for me to find fault with this film. It's very solid.

SnoopyStyle In 1963 Mississippi, civil rights leader Medgar Evers is assassinated by Byron De La Beckwith (James Woods) leaving his wife Myrlie (Whoopi Goldberg) a widower. Byron is arrested and treated as a hero by the white establishment. It's 1989. After two hung juries, Myrlie wants to reopen the case. Assistant district attorney Bobby DeLaughter (Alec Baldwin) and his southern family don't see the point of pursuing the case. He's the son-in-law of the original racist judge. Every piece of evidence and transcript have disappeared except one unnamed source claiming Myrlie as the killer. Bobby decides to take on the case despite the opposition from everyone including his wife, the 6th Amendment, and the march of time.This is obviously important history. For the most part, the first half is pretty good. It's unflinching in it portrayal of Mississippi of the past and the present. It does threaten to go melodramatic at times. The story is so devastating that director Rob Reiner's little melodramatic touches are not necessary. The trial gets stretched and the tension starts to fade. I guess the real story restricts his dramatic efforts. This is a big story and Reiner does a reasonable job.

blanche-2 "Ghosts of Mississippi" from 1996 is based on the true story of the third attempt to put Byron De La Beckwith in prison for the murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers in 1963. It stars James Woods, Alec Baldwin, Whoopie Goldberg, Craig T. Nelson, William P. Macy, Susanna Thompson,and Virginia Madsen.Medgar Evers was killed outside his home in Mississippi, shot in the back, in June of 1963. A member of the Klan and a known racist, Byron De La Beckwith was arrested. The jury at his trial consisted of twelve white men, and while Evers' wife was on the stand, some bigwig walked over to De La Beckwith and shook hands with him. A police officer gave the defendant an alibi. Twice, the trials ended in a hung jury. Thirty years later, the district attorney reopened the case, and the assistant DA, De Laughter, made a commitment to it. Many witnesses were dead, there was no court transcript, and what evidence there was had disappeared. De Laughter's wife left him and he was harassed throughout the investigation and trial.De Laughter, with new witnesses, new evidence, and new jurors won the case. De La Beckwith, then around 70 years old, went to prison and died there in 2001.The movie was filmed in Jackson, Mississippi, where Evers was killed, and members of the Evers family and Martin Luther King's daughter Yolanda were all in the movie, and Mrs. Evers was a consultant.So that's the background. Now for the film. Aside from being based on a true story, and the excellent performance by James Woods as the young and then elderly De La Beckwith, there is nothing to separate this from other courtroom dramas like "A Time to Kill" and countless others.The story is very compelling and emotional, as it's painful to remember what the south was like for blacks in the '60s, and thinking about this man getting away with murder is infuriating.The problem lay in the focus of the script, which is on De Laughter (Baldwin). It would have been more interesting and helpful to viewers -- now seeing this on DVD nearly 20 years after the movie was made, and 50 years after the incident -- to have learned more about Evers, and to see more of how it really was in the south for blacks, not just some footage at the beginning.Yes, Alec Baldwin was once adorable, as he is here. He's extremely likable and gives a straightforward, honest performance as a hard-working man, a loving father, and a determined attorney who wants to see this case through to the end. Whoopi Goldberg is an odd choice for Mrs. Evers, but an inspired one. She brings quiet dignity to the role that Myrlie Evers undoubtedly has in real life. The supporting cast is good.If this film were made today, the focus would be more on the Evers family. Times have changed. Like the ghost that De Laughter's daughter kept seeing in her room, ghosts who were victims of prejudice and hatred are still around, wanting their story to be told.

Dr. Michael Hollywood Strong performances from Alec Baldwin, James Woods, Whoopi Goldberg, Craig T. Nelson, Bill Smitrovich and William H. Macy makes "Ghosts Of Mississippi" one of the best movies I have seen. "Ghosts Of Mississippi" deserved an Oscar in every single category that one can be given in because it was that good.I never knew the story of Medgar Evers before I saw this film; but, I learned a lot through watching the film. I hope everyone has the same experience and opportunity I had when I saw this movie because it is one history lesson that should be seen rather than read in history books or newspaper archives. I was truly honored to watch this film.There are several reasons this film is a success; one of them are the performances. "Ghosts Of Mississippi" is each actors best film of their career bar none. Alec Baldwin brings intensity, aggressiveness and never say die attitude to his role as Bobby DeLaughter.Whoopi Goldberg stars as Myrlie Evers, widow of Medgar Evers, who with relentless pursuit of justice re-opens this murder case. Finally, James Woods stars as Byron De La Beckwith, the defendant, who with great conviction and sincerity brings the essence of the real person to the surface.As great as Baldwin and Woods are in this they do not hold a candle to Goldberg who gives not only the best performance in the film, year but I dare say the best performance of the decade of the 90's. Known for her comedic roles in the "Sister Act" series, Goldberg turns dramatic for "Ghosts Of Mississippi." This is a very impressive turn and most likely her best dramatic role since "The Color Purple." The intense and aggressive style Golberg brought to her role as the widowed Mrs. Evers was beautiful to watch.The second reason why this film remains on my short list of best films are the messages that brought up. For example, equality for all and the fact that any discrimination will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Another message I got from this film was under no circumstances should anybody underestimate the power of tenacity because it will make dreams come true every time.This film was thought-provoking, brilliant, inspiring and compelling. In addition, "Ghosts Of Mississippi" will move you to tears, put a smile on your face and anger you because these are the emotions I felt watching this movie.Combined with the excellent ensemble performances, brilliant script and messages this film had "Ghosts Of Mississippi" is one film you can't miss. There will most certainly be other inspirational films that come along, but "Ghosts Of The Mississippi" still remains at the top of my list as one of the most inspiring films I've seen. Two thumbs way up.