Conviction (2011)
Mature themes, violence and coarse language
| Director: | Tony Goldwyn |
| Actors: | Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Melissa Leo, Juliette Lewis, Minnie Driver, Peter Gallagher |
Conviction is based on the true story of Betty Anne Waters (Hilary Swank) a high school dropout who spent nearly two decades working as a single mother while putting herself through law school, tirelessly trying to beat the system and overturn her brother's (Sam Rockwell) unjust murder conviction. At its heart, Conviction is an exploration of the profound bond between a brother and sister – a love so deep, so unequivocal, so complete that it becomes a force that will not be denied or defeated.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 107mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (88)
88 Member
Reviews
Sharon
says
Great movie. Amazing to see what the lengths one sibling will go to for another.
Jenny
says
Just couldn't get into this one.
Scooby
says
As good as a tele movie.
Rachelle
says
I really liked this movie. It has all the feel of a great midday movie. The fact it is a true story really adds to the emotion of this movie. Definitely worth watching.
Stuart
says
Quite enjoyable story with obvious ending (they wouldn't have made the movie otherwise). It is what it is
Casey
says
Interesting movie that does keep you intrigued, but does seem to be a little slow. A good watch though, very informative.
Craig
says
Two great actors, not a great story line but quite enjoyable.
Kaz
says
I really enjoyed this movie. That it was based on a true story made it even better and kept me interested the whole way through.
Purplesue
says
They say truth is stranger then fiction & in this case, it really proves the adage. What a sister went through for her strong belief in her brother's innocense is nothing short of obsession, but as proved in this case, it was well worth it. Hilary Swank once again does a superb job of acting, along with the rest of the cast. Really enjoyed watching this one.
Debbie
says
Unbelievable effort by a sister to help her brother...I wonder how many could do the same thing for a loved one. A true story, no doubt a little embellished for the movie, but I recommend it as a highly watchable and enjoyable film.
Hughes
says
Liked this human interest story - A bit far fetched but most movies are like that - Would like more movies along these lines - Not necessarily murders etc but good acted movies about real people.
kathy
says
a fantastic story, with such determation belief of her brothers innoncence of a murder, his sister studied to become a lawyer t o fight the law system to prove that her brother was a innocent man
Nigel W
says
A sister of a murderer puts herself through law school in order to prove his innocence. Based on a true story the film follows a predictable path to its inevitable outcome. A sort of Erin Brockovich tale. 3.5 stars
sunnycoastgirl
says
Didn't know if this movie was going to be that good as if you know the storey line I thought it would get a bit boring with a murder courtcase. Very good movie. Hillary Swank was superb. Really enjoyed this movie.
Tara
says
WOW - Superb casting and acting. Thanks to science we know freedom. Amazing the lengths people will go to for unconditional love. Most inspiring for humanity.
Mamaluchka
says
A woman displaying an extraordinary loyalty to and faith in her sibling, willing to pay a huge price to herself and her family. Very well acted, it is a heart renching story of determination to see justice done.
rosieapple
says
Excellent movie, had us hanging to the end. worth 4 stars.
linda
says
A little bit slow in places - but great story line
Posted by sb
says
Write a review...Unreal movie - if you're like me you'll need tissues.
Bec
says
Rather grueling but very realistic
Elizabeth Lindell
says
An impressive film about a disturbing subject.
Phil
says
Good enough supported by an excellent Sam Rockwell.
Laraine
says
conviction is a very good movie. It holds you in suspense until the very end. Helen Hunt's acting is superb.
louise
says
thought provoking story about the difficulties of justice, beautifully acted by hilary swank
Margit
says
Great movie based on a true movie, its sad how life dished hardship to these siblings at the same time its lovely how they have such a powerful bond.
14/5/12
says
I really like Hilary Swank in these 'kinds' of flicks, simple, nice story... some moments of sadness. I'm glad it ended well this time. These true stories have a way of shaking you up when your eyes are opened to the injustices of the world.
Catherine
says
Enjoyed this movie, but it was a shame about the level of language, shame it took so long to be overturned - and with no apology!
John
says
pretty solid movie, nice cast. hilary swank doesnt quite nail the accent and sam rockwells age makeup misses the mark. but they're criticisms that are mostly superficial on an otherwise nice movie.
bluecooperfan
says
Yeh this was OK, if I am honest I think I was expecting a bit more from it. Fascinating that it's based on a true story.
Jojo
says
Enjoyable but was expecting it to tug at the heart strings a bit more. Worth watching none the less.
Joy
says
Excellent movie
eddie
says
Excellent movie, great story (true) and brilliantly acted/directed.
Mandy
says
Brilliant!
Richard Palmer
says
Story worth telling, but American treatment shallow. Many similar recent events in the USA, elsewhere and in Australia have dulled my appetite for this these kinds of injustices.
bellbird
says
OK movie to watch on wet weekend perhaps. Although I kept wanting to put lip balm on Hilary Swank's lips!
Alex
says
How a civilized country can behave so callously toward its own people!! An amazing true story which hopefully will change the American justice system.
Cindy
says
There's nothing here that hasn't been seen a hundred times before in other "based on a true story" legal dramas. Still, the cast is very solid and the pacing of the film ensures there's enough happening to maintain your interest.
stanarosa
says
Good movie and storie. Would have been just as good without the bad language
Liz J
says
Really enjoyed watching this true story unfold - great performances by a great cast. It is sad to see what goes on throughout the 'so-called' legal system?? Worth a watch for so many reasons.
Liz
says
Great casting, well directed, believable characters, and amazing that it's a true story.
Nicole Mazza
says
I really liked this movie about a brother and sister whose love and loyalty for each other overrides everything the law can throw at them. Based on a true story a mans life is turned upside down when he is convicted of a murder he did not commit, until his sister, against all odds, gets her law degree in order to prove his innocence.
Therese
says
Extraordinary story of fighting for the truth - what a journey.
Legendab
says
Great story and the acting was good too. Definitely worth watching as it is a true story.
Mary-Anne
says
A true story that makes you wonder the value of family and how far you would go for a loved one. A quite predictable movie however some of the plot keeps you guessing.
Anita L
says
Didn't know the background of the story. Outcome a bit predictable. A bit slow moving and don't think it really conveyed the struggles she went through - bit hard to squeeze 20 years in to 21 hours. Not sure many people could do what she did and spend 20 years believing in someone and trying to prove their innocence.
Chix@Flix
says
Brilliantly story. Definitely recommended.
FYI: After watching the movie, Google to see what happened to Kenny shortly after his release.
Marian
says
Great cast and plot. Little bit B grade in some areas but if yo get over that and just focus on the plot it is very believable and interesting
Ana
says
Good acting and interesting story. Touched by strong bond between brother and sister.
Lisa
says
Brilliant. Fantastic acting and incredible being a true story.
U MUST watch the special features AFTER the movie to find out more about what happened to the characters. If I didnt watch it I would have missed a crucial bit of information.
Highly recommended
traceyg
says
I knew the storyline so this was a predictable, no surprised. Still good to watch though.
Haydn
says
Great acting, compelling true story of great determination to win a brother's freedom from prison. (Be grateful you don't live in US and have to face US legal system.) Must see extras after viewing film.
Leila
says
Just okay nothing to much to say
Bri
says
boooorrriiinnngg,
Naomi
says
Great Movie - Even more so knowing its a true story
sue
says
I really enjoyed this movie, I like true stories, it was a surprise
Case
says
What a beautiful thing to do. Great acting. Really good film. Sad to hear that Kenny died 6 mths after he was released and that the female cop didn't serve anytime for what she did.
5
says
The truth is a very powerful thing.
This movie was excellent based on true events.
Wonderful acting by all.
It's a shame that the female cop couldn't be held accountable when the truth came out.
Laurie Earl
says
A good yarn about a woman who becomes a lawyer to get her brother out of prison who has been wrongfully arrested for murder. The family were quite poor and the kids a little wild so the boy was an obvious suspect having a history of drug abuse, drinking and fighting. His sister had the perseverance to become a lawyer from a background of no qualifications. What was a little disturbing was that his release consumed her whole life for 20 years at the expense of her marriage and her kids.
justine
says
feelgood story but slow moving predictable picture
Nat
says
Incredible true story, which testifies to the enduring love of a sister for her brother and her tireless efforts to have him proven innocent of murder and freed from a lifelong sentence without parole. The journey is extraordinary and it is so moving to see the lengths this sister goes to in order to secure her brother's release. Any ordinary person might pursue this for a couple of years, but the 18 years she works on this case, especially at the cost of her marriage and almost her children, is amazing.
I love the powerhouse acting, especially from Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell and Minnie Driver. Hilary Swank's character is human, strong, vulnerable and tenacious, and Minnie Driver plays an awesome supporting role as an extraordinary friend to Hilary's character. She brings humour, warmth and loyalty to the friendship, and provides an anchor for Anne Waters (Hilary Swank). Such a powerful movie.
Definitely worth watching!
CW
says
Quality movie! Definitely worth a watch.
JO
says
great movie
CB
says
I love stories based on true life - good feel stuff
Jenn
says
Wasn't sure what to expect with this one - really enjoyed it though... based on a true story....
Tillsa
says
Good movie, love a true story
Yvonne
says
Amazing story. The bond between brother and sister!
Nichole
says
This movie was GREAT. HILARY SWANK did an amazing job. This bond between siblings is heart felt. How one person can put so much faith in another is truly touching. A must see..
Shiloh
says
I love true stories....& this is one of the best! This story had to be told & it was done so in the most brilliant way that it brought even my tough man's man hubby to tears watching it! Hilary Swank & Sam Rock give brilliant performances as do all the cast....It is a MUST WATCH if you ask me....One not to be missed!
Emma
says
I loved Conviction- Hillary Swank is great. If you liked Erin Brockovich you will enjoy this movie. A great true life story. Worth watching.
berni154
says
I loved it! If you watch this movie...... you must check out the real life interview (in extras) with Betty Anne his sister.
SPOILER ALERT
He was awarded $3.4 million for his wrongful conviction
Sally
says
Would highly recommend this movie, absolutely loved it
Kawani
says
Not a bad movie...
At sometimes it's a little confusing between the past and the present and the relationship between the main character and her brother is a little over the top, almost bordering on incestous...
The fact it was based on a true story makes it more interesting..
N
says
The movie itself was ok.. Not as powerful as Erin Brockovich but still intriguing. The actual real life events which had transpired, are inspiring but also sad if you go on to find out more about what had occurred.
However, there is also a stark reminder that it is possible to be wrongfully committed..
kd
says
compelling viewing, both my husband and me enjoyed this immensely
simon
says
very good movie. the man had a very courages sister to stand by him all that time. And put her live on hold.
Sharon
says
What a great story ... love the true life ones!!!
Susanna
says
A wonderful TRUE story - shows how much love a sister had for her innocent brother, to the extent that she spent years training to become a Lawyer! & eventually managed to have him released after 16 years in Prison, Wonderful!
Anette
says
Really good.
Gillian
says
A bit slow and at times you think to yourself "for god's sake just get it done" but this effect is necessary for the viewier to see how much perserverance and patience a sibling has and will not stop to free her brother.
AMc
says
really enjoyed this drama. Swank was sensational. True story makes it even better
Boo
says
disappointing. what could have been a brilliant film was dull and far too 'hollywood' and I cant believe they cut out the real ending!
Lynney
says
I loved this film. There was a real bond between brother and sister.Acting was excellent and the fact it was a true story made it even more interesting.Reccomend
Tracy M
says
This is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. It was also good because I hadn't really heard about it so had no expectations. Need a few tissues by the end.
aec4ck
says
I really enjoyed it, though felt it dragged a little before the climax.
Marg
says
I really enjoyed this one. Gripping storyline with great acting that kept me watching until the end.
Ann E.
says
Very disappointing we have seen this type of storyline many, many times, a man wrong accused and jailed for a murder he didn't commit and an 18yr battle by his sister(this time) to prove his innocence with the new DNA science. Characters are well played by the main actors just we have seen this format in many film.
Jo
says
A truly gripping story. Kept me glued to the screen throughout. Amazing courage and sibling love shown by a remarkable woman. Heartfelt and gritty performances. If you like true stories this is a "MUST - SEE"!
kimbo
says
A working mother puts herself through law school in an effort to represent her brother, who has been wrongfully convicted of murder and has exhausted his chances to appeal his conviction through public defenders. Remarkable story. Rockwell and Swank are superb in this.