Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx brought the house down at last night's Cineworld Unlimited screening of Just Mercy. This emotional courtroom drama is based on a true story that's inspiring and heartbreaking by turns, centering on a Harvard-educated lawyer who makes death row representation his life's crusade.
Jordan plays the attorney in question, Bryan Stevenson, who nobly takes on the apparently hopeless case of convicted death row inmate Walter McMillian (Foxx). The latter has been wrongfully imprisoned for the 1986 murder of a white woman in Alabama, and Stevenson's bold representation galvanises the local black community, with help from legal advocate Eva Ansley (Brie Larson).
The movie is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who directed Larson in acclaimed 2013 indie movie Short Term 12, and is set to move into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings. So what did Unlimited members make of Just Mercy?
Here's the response from David Evans who lauds Jordan's performance.
What a fantastic movie,fantastic performances. @michaelb4jordan was phenomenal (he can act not just box) the whole cast were superb. So many emotions, a multi-nominated award movie for sure. #UnlimitedScreening #JustMercy pic.twitter.com/57pYsckquM
— David Evans (@dhevans77) January 9, 2020
Stephanie Calver says the movie strikes profound emotional chords.
When I was at school, we debated the death penalty in R.S. Our teacher showed us ‘Dead Man Walking’ with Sean Penn. I think they’ll be showing this next. Such a powerful film that incited a full spectrum of emotions - ended up with tears running down my NECK #JustMercy
— Stephanie Calver (@effiewright11) January 9, 2020
Avantika says the movie is required viewing in today's climate.
It was absolutely brilliant. A harrowing and powerful story that needs to continue being told. A film about an issue that is still unfortunately prevalent in today's world. Brilliant performances as well. Great choice! #UnlimitedScreening #CineworldUnlimited
— Avantika (@maryjanesdesk) January 9, 2020
Simon Winstanley describes the movie as a modern classic.
So powerful, truly important cinema. Brilliantly portrayed the pure frustration and horrible inhumanity of the death penalty. Excellent performances that made you feel the depth of emotion felt by those fighting against injustice. An instant classic.
— Simon Winstanley (@SiWroteThis) January 9, 2020
Ash Cohen says there was a palpably visceral reaction come the ending of the movie.
#JustMercy @cineworld - I dont normally come out of films speechless but that's the first film in a long time to do so. A powerful film, and when a round of applause erupted at the end, I couldn't help but smile. Fantastic.
— Ash Cohen (@AshhCohenn) January 9, 2020
And Claire Allan describes the movie as an emphatic plea for compassion and solidarity.
Powerful, harrowing and emotional and it shows that we should all be treated fairly no matter what race, nationality or skin colour is and the law is no exception #CineworldUnlimited #JustMercy
— Claire Allan (@missclaireallan) January 9, 2020
Just Mercy is released in Cineworld cinemas on the 17th of January. If you were at last night's screening, tweet us your responses @Cineworld and using #CineworldUnlimited.
Your next Cineworld Unlimited screening is Clint Eastwood drama Richard Jewell, an emotive drama that recounts a shocking miscarriage of justice. Newcomer Paul Walter Hauser leads a starry cast including Sam Rockwell, Jon Hamm and Kathy Bates. The movie screens in advance on the 14th of January.
Join Cineworld Unlimited in 2020 and you can enjoy preview screenings, special offers and a whole lot more. Click here to sign up to Cineworld Unlimited.