One of the classics in film history, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is art depicting life in its varied realities striking profoundly and movingly on the essence of being human. Based on the novel of the same name by Harper Lee the tale of a lawyer defending a black man in the deep South has resonated through time with its stirring portrayal and lessons on justice, race, prejudice, childhood and family.
Gregory Peck won Best Actor for his portrayal of Atticus Finch and he cut one of the most memorable characters in film history. Tall, spectacled, bookishly handsome and unerringly paternal and humane his patrician countenance and warm stoicness is the moral focus and foundation of the film. The film includes some of the best child acting captured on the silver screen and the children evoke the innocence and wonder of youth amidst the harsh and ugly realities of life. The able direction compelled strong performances from the entire cast and the film shot in black and white immerses it in a vintage feel that are fitting and complementary. Some of the most memorable scenes in movie history abound: Scout Finch's innocence thwarting a lynch mob; Tom Robinson's gripping trial; and Boo Radley's emergence at the end where the emotional chain of events unfolded so touchingly there were no dry eyes with this reviewer during and after it.
There are slow parts throughout the movie mirroring the small town country life the film is set in that drag the flick. And in these times one can cynically view this it as one of the precursors to the pc-multicult agenda prevalent in Western cinema. Considering the controversial and divisive subject of the movie made so by the politics of the present this is a film that will inevitably have its supporters and haters.
A huge commercial success and winner of numerous rewards, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is one of the rare occurrences when art and commerce succeed. A personal fave and one of filmdom's enduring masterpieces this is a must see for film fans and lovers of art in general. Essential.
Gregory Peck won Best Actor for his portrayal of Atticus Finch and he cut one of the most memorable characters in film history. Tall, spectacled, bookishly handsome and unerringly paternal and humane his patrician countenance and warm stoicness is the moral focus and foundation of the film. The film includes some of the best child acting captured on the silver screen and the children evoke the innocence and wonder of youth amidst the harsh and ugly realities of life. The able direction compelled strong performances from the entire cast and the film shot in black and white immerses it in a vintage feel that are fitting and complementary. Some of the most memorable scenes in movie history abound: Scout Finch's innocence thwarting a lynch mob; Tom Robinson's gripping trial; and Boo Radley's emergence at the end where the emotional chain of events unfolded so touchingly there were no dry eyes with this reviewer during and after it.
There are slow parts throughout the movie mirroring the small town country life the film is set in that drag the flick. And in these times one can cynically view this it as one of the precursors to the pc-multicult agenda prevalent in Western cinema. Considering the controversial and divisive subject of the movie made so by the politics of the present this is a film that will inevitably have its supporters and haters.
A huge commercial success and winner of numerous rewards, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is one of the rare occurrences when art and commerce succeed. A personal fave and one of filmdom's enduring masterpieces this is a must see for film fans and lovers of art in general. Essential.