Ollie's 10...Best Courtroom Dramas
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- DirectorBarry LevinsonStarsRobert De NiroKevin BaconBrad PittAfter a prank goes disastrously wrong, a group of boys are sent to a detention center where they are brutalized. Thirteen years later, an unexpected random encounter with a former guard gives them a chance for revenge.A great plot and a brilliant cast. The disparity between the bleakness of the correctional facility and the contrasting success of their vengeful justice provides an unconventional satisfaction and that unique selling point distinguishes this film as a great for me.
One of the best connectors if you play 6º of Kevin Bacon! - DirectorSidney LumetStarsHenry FondaLee J. CobbMartin BalsamThe jury in a New York City murder trial is frustrated by a single member whose skeptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict.A film that can take place almost exclusively in one location and still keep my interest is a highly credible contender in any list. One-by-one we watch the jurors' opinions swinging and even though we know how it's going to come out it keeps the viewer engaged. No wonder this film is way up in the IMDb top 250.
- DirectorGary FlederStarsJohn CusackRachel WeiszGene HackmanA juror on the inside and a woman on the outside manipulate a court trial involving a major gun manufacturer.I didn't expect much of this film and didn't read a plot summary before watching it. I was surprised to find that it barely spent any time on the actual case and instead was more about the dealings outside of the jury room. Always nice to have low expectations of a good film.
This also has a huge cast of credible actors. You know you're in for a treat when the opening credits stop naming the stars individually and start listing them in groups, but you still recognise the names!
Notably Dustin Hoffman's second appearance as a lawyer on this list. - DirectorJoel SchumacherStarsMatthew McConaugheySandra BullockSamuel L. JacksonIn Canton, Mississippi, a fearless young lawyer and his assistant defend a black man accused of murdering two white men who raped his ten-year-old daughter, inciting violent retribution and revenge from the Ku Klux Klan.Yet another film with an extensive A-list cast. The final verdict is completely farfetched, but it serves its purpose. It's also only fair that a John Grisham novel makes the list.
- DirectorGregory HoblitStarsRichard GereLaura LinneyEdward NortonAn altar boy is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep.I've never been a huge fan of Richard Gere and this film didn't win me over, but this was only Ed Norton's second film and he really stood out as a highly credible actor for me. Combined with an exciting twist that makes you feel both cheated and satisfied this is a decent 5th place.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsTom CruiseJack NicholsonDemi MooreMilitary lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee defends Marines accused of murder. They contend they were acting under orders.
- DirectorBrad FurmanStarsMatthew McConaugheyMarisa TomeiRyan PhillippeA lawyer defending a wealthy man begins to believe his client is guilty of more than just one crime.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsKevin CostnerGary OldmanJack LemmonNew Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison discovers there's more to the Kennedy assassination than the official story.
- DirectorTom ShadyacStarsJim CarreyMaura TierneyAmanda DonohoeA pathological liar-lawyer finds his career turned upside down when he inexplicably cannot physically lie for 24 whole hours.
- DirectorJonathan LynnStarsJoe PesciMarisa TomeiRalph MacchioTwo New Yorkers accused of murder in rural Alabama while on their way back to college call in the help of one of their cousins, a loudmouth lawyer with no trial experience.