Richardson, a Vietnam War veteran, was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death following the killing of an 11-year-old girl, according to the Huffington Post. "But before I could say anything, Myers blurted out, 'I lied. Similarly, there really was a recording of Myers insisting he knew nothing about the murder, and the prosecution really didnt turn it over to the defense, and his testimony, which nearly got Walter McMillian killed, really was that absurd on its face. Quotes. On paper, Herbert Richardson's crime appears horrendous.He plants a bomb . Herberts mood contrasts with the sobriety of the situation. Pic: Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. Due to your consent preferences, youre not able to view this. We were all banging on the bars to protest, to make ourselves feel better, but really it just made me sick, McMillian said about one execution during his time there. Just Mercy also introduces other clients represented by Stevenson, including Herbert Richardson. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. All contents 2023 The Slate Group LLC. Another central case that Bryan takes on is that of Herbert Richardson (Rob Morgan), a war veteran suffering from PTSD who is on death row for planting a bomb at his neighbor's house and killing them. So in this scene in particular, there really is just the light source thats coming in from outside the jail cell, which gives this kind of amber hue. So thats what Tate went with, after a search of McMillians truck yielded no marijuanaalthough he had to explain to Walter what the word sodomy meant. Pic: EJI/ Warner Bros, Stevenson spoke about the film in the House of Lords ahead of its UK release, Death row inmate Herbert Richardson (Rob Morgan) is in some of the most heartbreaking scenes in the film. Issues such as racial injustice can seem insurmountable, Jordan acknowledges. Herbert is war veteran with a history of trauma and psychological health problems. Even being completely exonerated didnt end the torment the state of Alabama caused him. The scene is emotionally distressing, though filmmakers decided not to show Richardson when 1,800 electrical volts were sent through his body. But judging from Stevensons memoir, Larsons performance is true to life. I remember the threats when the police pulled me out of the car and threatened to kill me. Refine any search. I represent 13 and 14-year-old children who've been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. The morning after his disastrous 60 Minutes interview aired, Chapman told the paper, For them to hold themselves up as a reputable news show is beyond belief and irresponsible., In the movies scene in which Tate arrests McMillian, he taunts him by saying things like, Those rims look like they cost you a pretty pennywhove you been working for?Thats shitty, but in Walter McMillians version of the story, as reported in court filings, Tate said much worse: He said he was going to stop us niggers from fucking these white women himself. Herbert argued that this was reckless murder, not capital murder. Brie Larson plays Eva Ansley, who in real life co-founded the Equal Justice Initiative with Stevenson and currently serves as its operations director. The movie is centered on Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan), a young black man from Delaware who graduates from Harvard Law. Michael B. Jordan depicts Stevenson in the movie, while Jamie Foxx plays McMillian. Tate has categorically denied saying any of this. Morgan says he refused to see the film's execution room until cameras were rolling. Since his release, Foxx's father has lived with his famous Oscar-winning son. Here's a spoiler: At the end of "Just Mercy," Michael B. Jordan's new film about justice, civil rights and capital punishment, you will be moved.And angry. NEXT: Netflix's Two Popes: 10 Best Moments From The Biographical Drama. Colin has had a long passion and obsession with movies going back to the first time he saw The Lion King in theaters. Pic: Warner Bros Entertainment Inc, Jordan says he wants people to see Just Mercy 'and feel like they could be a part of change'. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Just Mercy is a new film about a lawyer who helps death row inmates who can't afford it. Warner Bros. Much of this talk was about Johnny D. There was no mention of marijuana, no talk about an affair with Karen Kelly or weekends spent at nightclubs. But after meeting Jordan, Foxx and director Destin Daniel Cretton, he was satisfied they cared. And so that's been really inspiring and encouraging, and if this film helps to create that kind of activity it'll be a really beautiful thing.". Before his death, he refused to have a last meal, and requested to be blindfolded as he was led to the chamber, according to the outlet. As hinted at in his previous remarks and seen in the final scene, Bryan's fight for justice did not end with Walter's release from prison. Though he is obviously pained to be back behind bars, he admits that hearing Myers admit he lied was the first time Walter felt like himself in a long time. And that's why this movie is so important.". The film is about inertia as much as anything: When Stevenson looks into McMillians case, it is immediately apparent he had nothing to do with the crime, but it still takes years to clear his name, simply because the gears of justice have started grinding. Rena Mae Callins, was the niece of a woman whod been in a relationship with Richardson, The New York Times reported in 1989. "But at the same time, [the women] were really frightened. The Just Mercy (Bryan Stevenson) lesson plan is downloadable in PDF and Word. "I had to apologise. By describing how he prayed with Herbert, hugged him, and shared in his last reflections, Stevenson shows how he developed a personal friendship with Herbert and how this made witnessing his death more painful. The judge uses legal technicalities to refuse the petition, while failing to consider the implications of the evidence. I wrote a letter to my father, I said I'm not gonna come see you, I don't wanna see you like that because I see you as a king.". I don't like visiting jail. He maintains that this case is not just about one man being rightfully set free, but also an example that justice is something that is awarded to all people. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. So it's forever changed me in a way that I'm motivated and more driven to be a part of the solution, to be part of the change. During his years in prison, he seeks redemption. Jamie Foxx has revealed the exact moment that left him 'fuming' and pushed him to deliver one of the most emotional performances of his career in new drama Just Mercy. Along with movies, Colin stays up-to-date on the latest must-see TV shows. FULL YELLOW August 29, 2018 Stop reading now if you don't want to know. Herbert is a Vietnam War veteran who was traumatized by the war. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. ", After the film opened in the US earlier in January, Stevenson says he was "blown away" to receive hundreds of emails "from people whose loved ones are in jails and prisons who are now saying, 'I have some hope about what might happen to my loved one. Richardson told his attorney that, "All day long, people have been saying, 'What can I do to help you? The Irish Times writes that Just Mercy is "gripping, dazzlingly acted and - yes - important drama." Just Mercy presents the unforgettable story of Bryan Stevenson and the case of Walter McMillian, who was convicted and sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. Richardson saidit was an accident, that the bomb was meant only to scare the nurse. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. . Where were they when you were a young teenager returning from Vietnam traumatized and drug-addicted? Then he stared crying. The pleas from death row inmates on behalf of their fellow prisoners demonstrate their capacity for selflessness and empathy despite their own dire circumstances. For an introduction to what hes like today, here is his 2012 TED Talk. Photo illustration by Slate. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. And both sides of the conversation were captured. But every source agrees about one thing: McMillian had nothing to do with the murder of Ronda Morison. He returned to death row, having already served his time on bail there after his arrest a year earlier; guilty until proven innocent. he hears one of the women exclaim, the relief palpable. It was so clear to me that his life still had meaning and value," Stevenson says. Stevensons interaction with the victims family suggests that the local system is too focused on punishment to consider the actual needs and wishes of a victims family, which shows an underlying hypocrisy. He also insisted that the parallel story of Herbert Richardson (Rob Morgan), a guilty man whose conviction remains in place and whose execution is seen in excruciating detail, be part of the movie. @gemmapeplow. The scared but dignified man says goodbye to his friends and is led down to the waiting room. The film stars Michael B. Jordan as a young Harvard lawyer who travels to Alabama to provide proper legal services to death row inmates who could not afford it. But the drama (in theaters now)also tellsthe story of black Vietnam War veteran Herbert Richardson, who was guilty of his crime andexecuted despite the efforts of Stevenson and hisnon-profit Equal Justice Initiative. Pic: Warner Bros Entertainment Inc, Rafe Spall plays district attorney Tommy Chapman, the man who wants to keep McMillian locked up. When he was sentenced to death, Herbert's lawyer ignored his request for appeal. However, this legal drama based on incredible true events deserves to find an audience for its timely and powerful story. Refine any search. "I think there's still a lot of work to do. You havent been feeling well, and so youre here so you can get better. Can we get you coffee? -Graham S. By describing Herberts history of loss, abuse and violence, Stevenson attempts to show Herberts humanity and explain the events that affected his mental health. Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx in Just Mercy. Ralph Myers, the career criminal who testified that Walter McMillian killed Ronda Morrison, only to recant the entire story years later at Stevensons prodding, really did the things hes shown doing in the movie. In any event, if the film version of Just Mercy underplays the slightly disreputable things McMillian may have done before being railroaded, it also underplays the horror of what was done to him. Jamie had nothing but praise for his co-star Michael B Jordan, who in turn admitted he wanted to make his idol proud. "We've represented children prosecuted as adults," says Stevenson. Herbert Richardson was convicted of killing an 11-year-old girl with a pipe bomb and put on death row, and his story features in the new film "Just Mercy.". The epilogue explains that Anthony Ray Hinton (played by O'Shea Jackson Jr. in the film) was another case Bryan took on and another conviction he had overturned. Rob Morgan as Herbert Richardson in Just Mercy. The other scene being when Herb was to be put to death. Just Mercy, director Destin Daniel Crettons adaptation of Bryan Stevensons 2014 memoir, is about the exoneration of Walter McMillian, a black man who spent nearly six years on Alabamas death row after being convicted of a murder he didnt commit. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Though little information is given about Herberts new wife, it is noteworthy that she develops a relationship with a man she knows is destined to die. He was charged with capital murder and sentenced to death after he unintentionally killed the niece of his ex-girlfriend in a delusional effort to win his ex-girlfriend back. Destin Daniel Cretton shot that scene, but chose. Being on death row was a constant nightmare in which even small gestures of rebellionits an Alabama prison tradition to bang cups on the bars during an executionbring no comfort. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. The differences between Stevenson in the film and Stevenson in his memoir are mostly matters of dramatic compression: anecdotes Stevenson tells about other cases he handled are moved to the McMillian case, which saves the movie the time and trouble of explaining five or six different unjust criminal trials. Just Mercy reminds us of the power of identity and perspective. Walter 'Johnny D' McMillan (Jamie Foxx) is arrested, convicted, and sentenced to death row for the murder of Ronda Morrison - a crime he did not commit. We need an era of truth and justice in America. This movie will drag you down to the depths. Stevenson humanizes the officer and reveals her inner conflict by describing her emotional reaction and her reluctance about making the family leave. Teachers and parents! Brie Larson stars alongside Jordan as EJI co-founder Eva Ansley. He was executed in 1989 by the State of Alabama after being convicted of capital murder in 1978. Before his death, he refused to have a last meal, and requested to be blindfolded as he was led to thechamber, according to the outlet. The way the content is organized, LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in, Systemic Power, Oppression, and Dehumanization. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Seeing the outrageous and horrific injustices of this case broadcasted out for the world to see is a powerful moment. From the next cell, Walter calms him by helping him visualize trees in the forest. (including. . RELATED: Brie Larson's 10 Best Movies, According To Rotten Tomatoes. The two were wed in a ceremony held in in the prisons visiting room on Aug. 9, 1989, according to the paper. The details depicted . He attempted suicide multiple times before landing in a mental hospital, where he fell in love with a nurse. In 1987, he travels to Monroeville, Alabama, to join a white. "It was important to me that this be part of the story. "Sometimes, less is more. browser that But behind the optimistic veneer, the film actually has a dangerous - or at least problematic - message. Just Mercy emphasizes social justice, enumerating the variety of flaws of a criminal justice system blinded by racism and handicapped by poverty. Just Mercy is structured like a standard legal thrillersecrets uncovered, wrongs righted, justice done, and so onwith one exception, which is that no one is punished in the end. Top: Walter McMillian and attorney Bryan Stevenson. Theyre going to execute me for no good reason, and I dont want to die in no electric chair. He was crying now with a forcefulness that alarmed me. Neat! Advertisement Herbert Richardson, the Vietnam veteran whose execution Stevenson attends after. Complete your free account to request a guide. That is really going to be a big contrast to the moment when we go outside through Walter McMillians escape vision in his mind that takes him back to the moment in the beginning of the movie when he is out in the forest and looking up at the trees. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. "When you see Jamie playing my client, you see the humanity and the dignity of people I've been representing in jails and prisons for decades," he says. The film is based on Bryan Stevenson's bestselling 2014 memoir, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. Stevenson receives a desperate call from another man on death row, Herbert Richardson. He had Stevenson's account of thecase from his memoir, "Just Mercy," on which the film is based, and twophotographs of Richardson. The incident actually happened during the reading of the initial guilty verdict, before Stevenson was involved, and Earley and Stevenson dont agree about all the factsStevenson has the courtroom tackle, Earley has Sheriff Tate issuing an arrest warrant for Johnny afterwards and making his mom drive him back to court be bookedbut in both versions, Tate claimed Johnny said something along the lines of Somebodys going to pay for what theyve done to my father., Tate also seems to have been the government official who was most reluctant to accept that McMillian was innocent, even after he was finally released from prison. The capacity for the Supreme Court to change its position on the death penalty conflicts with the irreversibility of the death penalty itself; the Court found that executing the mentally disabled was unconstitutional, but this decision cant retroactively impact the fate of Dunkins. Stevenson implies that Herberts lawyer felt no investment in his clients fate because the court underpaid him. Just Mercy tackles the issues of racism head-on and barely leaves a minute for viewers to catch their breath so its no surprise that Jamie admits it was hard to stomach getting into the mindset of Walters impossible situation. The moment is a nice mirror of Herbert's goodbye, but this time they are cheering a man leaving in the right way. The entire case rested on the testimony of career criminal Ralph Myers (Tim Blake Nelson) who was coerced by law enforcement to make the false accusation or face the death penalty. -Graham S. The timeline below shows where the character Herbert Richardson appears in. In 1987, McMillian was sentenced to death for the murder of a young white woman in Monroeville, Ala., despite mounting evidence proving his innocence. But I found "Just Mercy," from director Destin Daniel Cretton ("Short Term 12"), profoundly moving and, at times, almost unbearably sad, as when Walter's fellow death row inmate, Herbert . In contrast, those who participate directly feel the reality of killing another person, even if they feel powerless to stop it. RELATED: 10 Prison Dramas To Watch If You Like The Shawshank Redemption. In the text of Just Mercy, Herbert in his final hours is too isolated to reach . Just Mercy takes us inside America's broken criminal justice system and compels us to confront inequality and injustice.. Based on the bestselling book, the Just Mercy movie presents the unforgettable story of Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) and the case of Walter McMillian (Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx), who was convicted and sentenced to death for a crime he . Michael plays Bryan Stevenson, the real-life lawyer who worked tirelessly to prove Walter was wrongfully convicted. 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