Linkshoch Wonderful Movie

Pluskylang Great Film overall

Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Logan By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

zkonedog I rented this movie because I enjoy period films about U.S. history, and what better event to be covered than the Lincoln Assassination?! Unfortunately, this courtroom drama fails in a number of aspects, with acting being first and foremost on that list.For a basic plot summary, "The Conspirator" tells the story of Mary Surratt (Robin Wright), accused of harboring the men who conspired to kill President Lincoln. With all the odds stacked against her, Surratt is given a military trial that she has no hope of winning. The only thing in her corner is lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy), who is persuaded to fight for her cause.As a courtroom drama, this film is okay. It touches on a few interesting themes and really shows the mood of the Civil War era. However, the acting is so poor that it never really sucks viewers into the proceedings. Besides Wright as Surratt, the acting performances fail in a variety of ways. McAvoy does not convey "period" whatsoever, the auxiliary cast isn't given much to do, and the laughable casting choices of Justin Long and Alexis Bledel only serves to further exemplify the acting in this effort.Also, "The Conspirator" does none of the "little things" right, like character depth. A romance angle with McAvoy's character goes nowhere, for instance, while the drama of the film is confined to the courtroom scenes and no others.Thus, I cannot recommend "The Conspirator" to those looking for anything more than a mediocre, stuffy period piece about a very specific topic. If you only want to see it because it has Lincoln on the cover, go elsewhere for your history fix.

Dave Smith First and foremost this movie is a courtroom drama, but what sets it apart is the topic and theme. Set at the end of the American Civil War it examines the motivations behind the controversial trial of Mary Surratt. It shows us emotions and views of the US after 4 years of civil war. What started as a profound belief in fighting for an obvious cause by both sides has deteriorated into visceral hatred. As all normal convention as gone by the way in the name of war, so has justice, and the assassination of Lincoln and the trials thereafter are merely an extension of that war. I have noted some criticisms in other reviews, such as putting forward Surratt's innocence, or an inaccurate portrayal of the behaviour of the prosecution. The movie does no such thing, and such comments are evidence that the effect that the Civil War has had on American society has still not faded to this day. This movie excellently displays the effect of war on a previously just society.

Kirpianuscus more than a film, it is a challenge. a great one. because it propose a not well known from American modern history. because each detail is defined with precision , in many moments The Conspirator becoming a contemporary story. because the subjects are high delicate but presented in the most inspired manner. and sure, the acting. who escapes from every definition temptation because it is perfect. a mother and her lawyer. need of revenge. justice act as a dark mixture of hypocrisy and preconceptions, stereotypes and marked by the woman condition in a society of men. but the best detail is the splendid art of Robin Wright to do a special, delicate eulogy to motherhood. and the grow up of young lawyer to assume his difficult and impossible duty for James McAvoy. not only a beautiful film. but, more important, an useful one. not only for the exposure of a historical episode. but for reflection about contemporary problems and themes.

jacobmancecc16 The movie was good for anyone with interest in history. It follows real events and keeps mostly to the actual story. A few things are added in to the movie, probably to make it easier to understand. I enjoyed watching The Conspirator. I thought the acting was good, the plot was not boring, and kept me entertained through the whole thing (which is difficult for some movies like this). It made me feel invested into the characters and made use of a flashback here and there to fill me in on what actually happened as opposed to what the characters were saying. Even though sometimes I was confused when was the present sometimes. Overall I was satisfied with the film.