A Time to Kill
Directed by Joel SchumacherA young Mississippi lawyer defends a black man who killed the two white men that raped his preteen daughter.
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A Time to Kill Ratings & Reviews
- mickerdooJuly 15, 2025Such a heartbreaking story. Incredible performances and perfectly written. Bullock, Jackson and McConaughey come through big.
- Tubeman7221h agoJustice prevails when you lose, but also when you win. This statement from a friend of attorney Jake makes clear what is unique about Carl Lee's lawsuit. Carl Lee is accused of killing two men, but the reason for this murder is that these men raped his daughter and they would probably not be punished. So the question is whether Carl Lee is guilty or not. 'A Time To Kill' is an indictment against racism. The film angers anyone who is against racism about the members of the Ku Klux Klan and the unjust justice system in the United States. The storyline is very predictable, from the beginning you expect the man to kill his daughter's rapists. As a viewer you automatically develop sympathy for the murderer. You hope that the man will be acquitted and that his lawyer will be praised, even if in reality you are against people who take the law into their own hands. The role of the Ku Klux Klan is not entirely clear to me. We see members of the Klan every time, but they actually have nothing to do with the central story. They make it very difficult for the lawyer and those around him, but the fact that they appear for about a quarter of the film is an exaggeration. The film is about the man's trial and about justice, not about the activities of the Klan. It is also unbelievable that the members always try to achieve something, but that it always goes wrong. The role of law student Ellen Roark is played by Sandra Bullock, whom we know from 'Miss Congeniality' (2000), 'Two Weeks Notice' (2002), 'While you were Sleeping' (1995) and 'Murder by Numbers' (2002). While Sandra Bullock usually plays the leading role in films, in this film she has a lucrative supporting role, convincingly portrayed and therefore she is clearly present in the film. The leading role in the film is played by Matthew McConaughey, known for films such as 'Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (1994), 'Edtv' (1999), 'Angels in the Outfield' (1994) and 'The Wedding Planner' (2001). McConaughey became known with his role in 'A Time To Kill', this was his first major role. McConaughey was offered this role by writer John Grisham, who absolutely wanted the young actor for the lead role in the film adaptation of his novel 'A Time To Kill'. 'A Time To Kill' is a beautiful compelling film and definitely worth watching. The film is not always realistic, but it certainly leaves the viewer with a good feeling, which is no longer the case in many films.
- Daniel TaylorDecember 28, 2025I have to fast forward some parts because they’re so heavy, but wow, this film hits hard every time. Powerful performances, huge emotion, and a story that still feels painfully relevant. And honestly, thank God for that Mickey Mouse moment. Devastating, confronting, and unforgettable.
- sixx84October 27, 2025Excellent film. Cast is fantastic. Not as good as A Few Good Men, but not too far off in my opinion.
A Time to Kill Trivia
A Time to Kill was released on July 24, 1996.
A Time to Kill was directed by Joel Schumacher.
A Time to Kill has a runtime of 2 hr 29 min.
A Time to Kill was produced by Michael G. Nathanson, Hunt Lowry, John Grisham, Arnon Milchan.
The key characters in A Time to Kill are Jake Brigance (Matthew McConaughey), Ellen Roark (Sandra Bullock), Carl Lee Hailey (Samuel L. Jackson).
A Time to Kill is rated R.
A Time to Kill is a Crime, Drama, Thriller film.
A Time to Kill has an audience rating of 8.5 out of 10.