Imagine this film, but the races were reversed. You'd all be calling this film hateful and racist lol. Don't pretend you guys care about racial equality.
@@spenser9908 I mean, of course the movie wouldn’t have any merit to it, and it probably would be called racist, but not because of us seeing black people as better. It’d be a straight stealing of historical context, we as white people in America don’t have the history of enslavement so recently (except in subgroups by religion.) Imagine a movie that took such an important statement in such a recent historical context (as in, actions like this actually happened against black children,) but it was all about white people being the underprivileged and abused and black people the abusers. It’’d be really damn stupid. That argument doesn’t work because of our history.
Not all dad's unfortunately. Mine sexually abused me when I was 20 ten years ago this year and even though he touched me inappropriately and looking back, one miracle that came out of it was I didn't fully orgasm. My body reacted in a way when he fingered me and touched/massaged my breasts, but not once did I cum even though I'll admit the rest of it did feel great, but I was so ashamed my body reacted and liked the feeling. I'm over it now and know it wasn't my fault, he didn't care what he did because 2 years ago after 8 years of getting away with it (he only touched me for 2-3 months and was under thr radar for 8 years as if nothing happened) and when he and mom were divorced 2 months at the time, his first words he said apparently when he called her thr day he was arrested was, "I wish Nichole would have kept her mouth shut." So in other words, he's not a real dad and no dad would ever say that to his child ESPECIALLY when I'm the oldest. He doesn't deserve to be dad anymore. But I've moved on, I don't contact him anymore even when he and mom split and he filed for divorce which was a good thing because he was also mentally, emotionally, verbally abusive nd Manipulative like none other. Oh and he was a sex addict we all later learned too. So to have him use me as a sex object for his pleasure just makes me sick inside. He wasn't physically abusive thank goodness, but it was a toxic life growing up and as soon as he left the house, the spirit and atmosphere of itchanged, we weren't walking on egg shells and could actually BE OURSELVES and happy. So this is why I love this film and not that I'd always say Samuel's reaction is always the best way but it shows what a true parent is. YOU HAVE TO EARN THE RIGHT TO BE CALLED MOM AND DAD. And my dad unfortunately lost that privilege. My mom also put up 30 years of all that abuse (except physical as much as I know) and if there's a word beyond saint, that's her. I'm just glad he's out of our lives
***** rape no matter what race is raped white or black is deplorable. And sweetie statistics on rapes are not accurate at all because a majority of sexual assaults go unreported.
Funny thing, the asshole DA all but destroyed the “temporary insanity” excuse with Carl Lee saying “Yes they deserved to die and I hope they burn in Hell!” I think the point of this scene is show that sometimes vigilantism is necessary!
Temporary insanity is when you lose control and have remorse. There's no cover up or premeditation and you can't make any statements about being thrilled people are dead. Temporary insanity is when you're schizophrenic and go of your meds and believe people are talking to you through the fillings in your teeth telling you to kill your neighbor. Once on your meds, you are horrified and would rather be dead than know that you killed Mrs. Sweet who came to all your baseball games. I'm a lawyer (not criminal defense) but I still hear all types of cases.
McConaughey got a lot of abuse for his acting before Dallas Buyers Club and Mud came out, but this just shows that he's always had the talent, such raw power and emotion in this performance! Glad he finally got the recognition he deserves.
That "now imagine she's white" carries fucking monumental emotion and power to another level, so well written and the acting could not be better, I'm glad MM finally has recognition for his greatness today.
White or not, killing two rapist out of anger is cold blood murder, and its not justice, his daughter is still alive, if he cut off balls of those two men thats 'probably' acceptable as he ruin the girl womb, but take their lives away after they were arrested ? thats not justice at all.
I don’t give a shit about race. Anytime a child is abused in such an unspeakable fashion, it becomes the duty of decent people to take action and blow these pieces of shit away. This is why I think the Menendez Brothers should receive clemency. They were sexually abused.
Just goes to show how racist those men are, they don’t want Black Americans to reproduce. This was a really intense movie and I felt it really brought up a great question; “What justifies killing?” Usually my answer would be never, but if it were my daughter that had gone through what that sweet little girl had gone through then I’d probably do what Carl Lee had done too.
Bit made me cry is when the little girl is in the arms of her father after she had been beaten and raped and she says " Daddy I'm sorry I dropped the grocerys 😪😪
Finishing it off with 'now imagine she's white' finally made them realize how terrible this crime was regardless of race. ANY individual who would do that to a child in the heinous way they did wouldn't have deserved to have any mercy done on them.
I'm disappointed with some of the comments here saying that Carl Lee (Samuel Jackson) is guilty. The all-white jury had pretty much made up their minds to find him guilty of first degree murder. But this wasn't some hardened criminal, but a father who lost it upon seeing the horrifying brutality meted out to his innocent little girl. Thank GOD Jack Brigance (Maconnaughey) was able use their racial bias against them, making then realize that Carl Lee did no more than what they would do if it had been their own daughters who suffered the brutal rape. But I agree that he should have won an Oscar for this scene; he executed it so brilliantly.
Depends on what he was charged with. Growing up i never understood how he could be completely innocent since he clearly and obviously killed those guys. Now that i understand the law better, if the state just went after 1st degree murder as the only charge, i suppose that he didn't meet the standard for murder 1. It's been a while since i've seen this movie, but unless i'm mistaken, they never talk about the charges, and the judge never really gives the jury any instruction, and we don't see the foreman actually read the charges...just the little boy running out of the courtroom yelling "Carl Lee is innocent." So yeah...if the state went after a bunch of lesser charges, he certainly should have been charged with something, but it's possible that the state overplayed their hand and went for the max.
He was guilty. This was not meant to be an illustration of temporary insanity or even overcharging by the D.A. Rather, it was an illustration of jury nullification.
@@brandonbuchner1771 dawg no one's gonna care what he was charged with as ajuror after they hear the story. just like no juror will forget when a judge tells them to strict that from there memory.
Sarkastik Leader As you say I never forgot the intensity of this scene and I watched this movie 24 years ago His words, his expression, his interpretation in this very scene made this movie unforgettable for me
Am not a mother but I will do the same I would want to kill him or them as a victim of sexual abuse I think it hits me more hard he always makes me cry. No matter ur race skin color religion exact we’re alll the same inside we all have the same organs and everything we like different color flowers why can’t we love everyone the same
I remember watching this back in high school and taking a test based on the film. One of the questions was "Why did he ask them to picture the little girl as white?". It's because he's basically asking them "Now do you give a shit about her? If she's white, would you give a shit then? Or does it really matter?". Still a great scene.
I took it as it was a double edge sword one was "oh that could been one of us" and the other half would think we'll what does that matter then then bam catch their own prejudice pretty. clever
It’s bc of their prejudice they didn’t see the father as human, they didn’t see the child as human, racist see us as animals with no feelings, they were ready to convict him, until all those words finally hit them when the child was described looking like them. It’s about prejudice. I always say I wish white ppl could live one day in our shoes when I hear comments about blacks always playing the race card, if you guys could live just one day in our shoes oh how the world would love more.
Maybe every black BLM supporter should take that text, since they only seem to care about their own race being killed by cops. "Now do you give a shit about them? If they were black, would you give a shit then?" Only difference is, the racist all-white jury in that movie was fictional. BLM is real.
@Miles Doyle if you was a true preacher for god you would of typed that all yourself instead of copy and pasting it, but I appreciate the blessings lol.
As someone who was an Assistant to a Superior Court Judge who sat on the criminal bench here in New Jersey, this was the most brilliant closing argument I have ever heard
@@Mowthelawn3 There was an episode of Law and Order SVU about a true case of mass r@pè in a big city. Perhaps NY , I can’t remember. In real life a group of black men SA’d an Asian woman. On the show the assailants were portrayed by white actors . If you look at who produces and writes much of these programs (off the top of my head I believe Law and Order is produced by Dick Wolf) you’ll begin to notice a pattern.
@@Mowthelawn3 There was an episode of Law and Order SVU about a true case of SA in a big city. Perhaps NY , I can’t remember. In real life a group of black men SA’d an Asian woman. On the show the assailants were portrayed by white actors .
@@Mowthelawn3 If you look at who produces and writes much of these programs (off the top of my head I believe Law and Order is produced by Dick Wolf) you’ll begin to notice a pattern.
I'm reading Matthew's book and how he got this part is so emotional. I'm a lawyer and I see horrible things every day. To know Matthew felt the pain for a movie role, that's outstanding character.
This is by far the most impactful, closing statement that I’ve ever watched. He’s dripping with Pain, and it comes across so clearly that even a blind person could see it.
I remember seeing these scene on TV years ago as a teenager and it stuck with me for some reason. Now that I watch it, the gut punch that is his final line is absolutely heart-wrenching. So much pain and injustice and such a desperate plea for empathy expressed in one sentence. Amazing writing and acting.
Yeah but it’s got nothing to do with the case. No ones defending the rapists. You can’t go around taking the law into your own hands. Society would descend into anarchy. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
I didn't cry but at the end I said wow out loud I couldn't believe it. It made me sad and mad because of how white society overlooks and doesn't care much about the incident unless it's a person of their own race.
I just imagined a little girl, no colour, no religion, I just imagined a helpless child against two grown men. Matthew McConaughey's acting is SERIOUSLY underrated
When Matthew McConaughey almost breaks down crying at the end how does he not get an Oscar for that. Not to mention that scene is very powerful in the movie.
Well, thankfully, they tend to not give Oscars out for one scene. If somebody would watch Rush in 'Shine' that year, and still say McConaughey should have got the Oscar, I would have a hard time not laughing in their face.
@@bauerj3398 Those two performances are not comparable. Two completely different roles in completely different movies, made by vastly different writers/directors/crew for a different audience. McConaughey played this role magnificently, and Geoffrey Rush couldn't have played better, but it makes no sense to say one performance was "better" than the other, if they were both perfect for the part and played it perfectly. Also the oscars are a joke and should hold no value or meaning in the eyes of any real movie fan.
@@rayaqin What the eff do you mean, they are not comparable? That is exactly what is happening when one mewls about Actor X or Film X not winning an award. It leads to a comparison because for him/her/it to have won, he/she/it would have to be better than what did win. As for your cliche about the oscars being a joke, that is laughably pretentious of you to proclaim that, since the people who actually matter (the actors, directors, producers, etc.) all consider the Oscars to be the pinnacle accomplishment in the business. But hey, you know better than them apparently. You should probably set out to enlighten these morons on what is and what is not a 'joke' in their industry.
I don't think by the end,his character was meant to come off as a creep. I think he was somewhat touched by the young lawyer's speech and also his skill in making the jury see this event from his eyes. After this,he shook his hand and congratulated him.
@@tiaaaron3278 His character admits he feels sympathy for Carl Lee from the start, and I'm pretty sure he meant it. It's his job as the DA though to uphold the law, and prosecute to the fullest extent.
This is actually true there are people like this and I couldn't agree more he should have got recognition for that role in a way that Samuel L Jackson Reacted as a father any father who has a kid like that would react the same way and there's somebody out there every day walking amongst people not knowing who kids can trust and who they can trust The sad thing is this is only a movie but it portrays real life situations
@@richardpowers2622Samuel L Jackson's acting is fantastic. The way it erupts from him "Yes, they deserved to die and I hope they burn in hell!" is so raw and powerful, it's inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time.
It's also pathetic that there are people out there who will play the race card to get what they want, even getting a man who knowingly and willingly committed first degree murder. I've said this before and I'll say it again: Don't dare use what happened to his daughter as an excuse, I would have given the two rapists the death penalty if I could have but society cannot survive if ordinary citizens are allowed to just decide who gets to live and who gets to die. That is opening a pandoras box I know you don't want to open.
This is maybe the greatest performance I’ve seen, you can literally see Matt reaching into his own soul to get these words out. The fact he was able to read this script and say this is representative of the actor he is
@@bauerj3398 What movies include scenes that have the same impact or are acted better? And don’t tell me the Godfather lmao. Most overrated shit I’ve seen
@@Number_99 The absolute hilarity in trumpeting a piece of poorly written, overracted drivel like A Time To Kill, but dismissing The Godfather as overrated. There is literally a thousand movies better than A Time To Kill, and practically countless scenes that are better. But hey, everybody is entitled to an opinion, no matter how stupid.
This really hit me hard…anyone who did not feel their heart break has absolutely no feelings at all. This closing statement was soooo spot on. I cried hard. And still do every time I watch it.
Saw this movie 24 years ago but this scene hit me so hard I never forgot his words, his expression, the intensity of the scene and the emotions that this actor was able to convey Amazing Well done Matthew McConaughey
I watched this movie at home just after it came out and I have NEVER forgotten this scene. I’m so glad it is immortalised on UA-cam and no longer dies with all the other obsolete dvds and vhs. To me this is one of the most powerful performances and important scenes of all cinematic history
@@annabelles1622 A little boy. That damn kid changed me in ways I didn't even think of. I can't help but put myself in the position of parents who are going through something hard with their kids.
@@mikeanderson3735 I understand you completely! We see the world in a whole other perspective when we become parents. I have 2 adult sons. No daughters, but still this movie was incredibly painful. I always wanted a daughter. And then I had my first boy. Afterward I was ok with whatever gender I had next! I love them so much! You’re a good dad I can tell. Congratulations.
"Now Imagine She's White" One of the most powerful lines ever delivered in any movie, in the history of cinema. That being said, is it just a coincidence that the actor is Matthew McConaughey or better yet that the line is delivered @04:20 in the clip? I think not.
Jesus christ you all love really shitty, cheesy lines. Lol, in the movie, a town with zero Klan presence is riddled with hundreds of Klan members after a dude hands out membership flyers...its a white liberals retarded wet dream to kill dumb racist southerners. A stupid movie about no real issue. The people who did the crime didnt even stand trial...literally no one in the movie defended the rapists. They were killed before they even stood trial, and it woulda made way more sense if the entire town let them off, then ya, that's the time to kill. Really, really shitty movie, if you're looking at it through any type of realistic lens.
I haven't seen this film (too young when it came out and it just showed up in my shorts today) but DAMN DN DAMN, I AM AT THE EDGE OF MY SEAT, AND WAS SPELLBOUND! And that mic drop at the end DAMN! I need to watch this now
The jurors and everyone else in the room new the case was about the assault of a little black girl. Not one person in that court room thought of anyone else other than the little girl who was assaulted. He goes through the entire assault, which everyone in the courtroom had already heard throughout the trial! Everyone was imagining that little girl and seeing everything he described happening to that little girl in their minds, with the compassion that each one had to offer a black person. The picture painted was horrific. Thinking of any living being experiencing such a nightmare leaves one gutted. So, when at the end of the story he asks them to imagine the girl is white, it's so powerful, because with one sentence, he made even the most racist juror empathize with the victim. It's very similar to hearing about a victim on the news, or your sister or brother being the victim. If you have a loving heart, you feel for anyone who suffers, but even murderers and psychopaths have a Mother or loved one. Amazingly, truly dark hearted people will often still have someone in their life they love. Unfortunately, their ability to reconcile their own pain with that of another, and see that which connects us all, is broken.
Agree with most of this, but I don't agree that he made any jurors empathize. He focused in on exactly the opposite, a lack of empathy. Empathy doesn't require visualizing a member of your family, or someone who looks like you. It's already understanding that it doesn't make a difference. This is a lesson in empathy through shaming people into realizing that, even though they consider themselves good people, they lack it.
@@Hexon66 Empathy is often described as the ability to feel what others are feeling as if you are feeling it yourself. A very good way to foster empathy is by teaching that what you feel others feel, we all suffer, we all feel sad or scared or happy. The jurors felt sympathy for that little girl, but not empathy. When he made it hit home for them, that helped them make the connection and see that little black girl the same way they would see a little white girl. They had to then imagine it could be their child or grandchild. Empathy is often within us naturally, but sometimes it may be in short supply, especially if someone is racist or holding onto generational grudges and ideas about people.
Just got through listening to Matthew’s audible of his book Greenlights, and it was awesome hearing the story behind how he landed this part, and how it completely changed his life.
Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey, Ashley Judd, Donald Sutherland, Sandra Bullock, and Kiefer Sutherland as the town’s racist maniac….what a cast…what a script…what a movie! Most gripping film I’ve ever seen - from start to finish
There has always been something...idk...FRIGHTENING in Kevin Spacey's almost "ironical" stare... That's one of the reasons "THE USUAL SUSPECTS" is my favourite movie of all... Thanks for uploading! ;)
Man, Spacey has pretty much always intimidated me! But for me, it goes beyond his roles on film, and I'm wondering if he's simply a scary guy to mess with. Not that he's physically a badass in real life or anything... I just wouldn't feel relaxed being engaged in any type of confrontation with that guy, especially if he pulled that stare, haha.
lol! :D ...me neither, man! - me neither!... Having said THAT - I think he's an AWESOME Actor by a major "A" and (I'm quite sure of it) a GREAT human being! Have a nice day.! ;)
This scene is wonderfully filmed. The dialogue, the growing discomfort and heartbreak on everyone’s face as he tells the story, and how “Now imagine she’s white…” is the moment they all collectively asked themselves “Why does that *matter*?”
It seems to matter all the time when BLM supporters only care about black victims of police brutality and ignore every other race. The difference being, one is a fictional woke movie and the other is real life racism.
We watched this in school back in 2003 when I was 13. My goodness it changed everybody in my school. That impact factor was strongly needed. I was never one of them type of people, but it was beautiful... to witness many people change in my Year...purely because of this film but preferably this scene alone.
When I watched this the first time I was crying, and when he said that I just gasped. You can tell those are genuine tears in the audience. He did this so well, as he always does
This scene is the OPITOMY of putting someone else in another's shoes. It is a classic and will always be one of my faves when trying to share s story that is relatable. But my BIGGEST appreciation for this scene is the perfect call out on racism. This film, and others like it, should be offered as part of school curriculum about a history and current time in America that is a smear on our nation that needs to be washed.
I cried at the cruelty and absolute disregard for a human life, let alone a child. The final sentence was so gut wrenching! What a great actor. What an important message!
No other movie has ever moved me to so many tears That bit at 4:03 where MM falters broke me. This whole speech broke me. And the part where he says “Now imagine she’s white” was the greatest argument I’ve ever heard. It’s a very powerful scene that stands out as one of the finest and purest and most from the heart in cinematic history
I cry every time I watched this movie from the beginning to the end, thank you so much for sharing this best movie also thank you for picking the right man to deliver this amazing scene, right attorney to defend the father, my dear husband hugs me n give me more tissues to wipe my tears than he said honey is a great movie 👍🌺🌸❤️
"Imagine she's white." Those 3 words made them see Sam Jackson was only doing what any father would do. I love this scene.
He made them realize they weren't giving the black dude a fair shake.
Imagine this film, but the races were reversed. You'd all be calling this film hateful and racist lol. Don't pretend you guys care about racial equality.
@Mothra J Ok cool, explain to me how I’m racist.
@@spenser9908 I mean, of course the movie wouldn’t have any merit to it, and it probably would be called racist, but not because of us seeing black people as better. It’d be a straight stealing of historical context, we as white people in America don’t have the history of enslavement so recently (except in subgroups by religion.) Imagine a movie that took such an important statement in such a recent historical context (as in, actions like this actually happened against black children,) but it was all about white people being the underprivileged and abused and black people the abusers. It’’d be really damn stupid. That argument doesn’t work because of our history.
Not all dad's unfortunately. Mine sexually abused me when I was 20 ten years ago this year and even though he touched me inappropriately and looking back, one miracle that came out of it was I didn't fully orgasm. My body reacted in a way when he fingered me and touched/massaged my breasts, but not once did I cum even though I'll admit the rest of it did feel great, but I was so ashamed my body reacted and liked the feeling. I'm over it now and know it wasn't my fault, he didn't care what he did because 2 years ago after 8 years of getting away with it (he only touched me for 2-3 months and was under thr radar for 8 years as if nothing happened) and when he and mom were divorced 2 months at the time, his first words he said apparently when he called her thr day he was arrested was, "I wish Nichole would have kept her mouth shut." So in other words, he's not a real dad and no dad would ever say that to his child ESPECIALLY when I'm the oldest. He doesn't deserve to be dad anymore. But I've moved on, I don't contact him anymore even when he and mom split and he filed for divorce which was a good thing because he was also mentally, emotionally, verbally abusive nd Manipulative like none other. Oh and he was a sex addict we all later learned too. So to have him use me as a sex object for his pleasure just makes me sick inside.
He wasn't physically abusive thank goodness, but it was a toxic life growing up and as soon as he left the house, the spirit and atmosphere of itchanged, we weren't walking on egg shells and could actually BE OURSELVES and happy. So this is why I love this film and not that I'd always say Samuel's reaction is always the best way but it shows what a true parent is. YOU HAVE TO EARN THE RIGHT TO BE CALLED MOM AND DAD. And my dad unfortunately lost that privilege. My mom also put up 30 years of all that abuse (except physical as much as I know) and if there's a word beyond saint, that's her. I'm just glad he's out of our lives
He called them racists in the most brutal way possible.
K brutal or realistic?
@@theartofflying3580 are you implying that realism and brutality can't exist at the same time?
Definitely not the most brutal way possible. Their deaths could've been far worse.
@@nexusBOS should have far worse .
nexusBOS death is an escape there are fates far worse than death.
This scene never fails to make me tear up. matthew McConaughey was acted this scene amazingly.
so full of details of Tonya's rape, I can't even imagine how two men could hurt someone so young and innocent. It's inhumane
I completely agree with you. The same thing happens to me.
oh...sorry to hear that.
sorry to hear that! Hope you are doing well and okey.
***** rape no matter what race is raped white or black is deplorable. And sweetie statistics on rapes are not accurate at all because a majority of sexual assaults go unreported.
The way Matthew looks like he’s gonna vomit after saying the last line, realizing he believes it too. Absolutely brilliant fucking actor.
Same way after Samuel L. Jackson said had a “I should not have said that!” look after saying “Yes they deserve to die and I hope they burn in Hell!”
More like about to burst into tears.
That WAS NOT acting, my friend. It was his OWN humanity.
Guys a legend
I don't really know about going to vomit, more like just choking on emotion.
This is the film that gave the most realistic understanding for temporary insanity as a valid defense.
Mike Basil You forgot anatomy of a murder ma boi
On second thought, maybe it would confuse you further😂😂
precisely!
Funny thing, the asshole DA all but destroyed the “temporary insanity” excuse with Carl Lee saying “Yes they deserved to die and I hope they burn in Hell!” I think the point of this scene is show that sometimes vigilantism is necessary!
Temporary insanity is when you lose control and have remorse. There's no cover up or premeditation and you can't make any statements about being thrilled people are dead. Temporary insanity is when you're schizophrenic and go of your meds and believe people are talking to you through the fillings in your teeth telling you to kill your neighbor. Once on your meds, you are horrified and would rather be dead than know that you killed Mrs. Sweet who came to all your baseball games.
I'm a lawyer (not criminal defense) but I still hear all types of cases.
McConaughey got a lot of abuse for his acting before Dallas Buyers Club and Mud came out, but this just shows that he's always had the talent, such raw power and emotion in this performance! Glad he finally got the recognition he deserves.
Camron Zadegan Yes, he played this role to perfection!
I knew he would be a star when I saw him in this. His acting skills are on point.
That's because he did a lot of silly rom-coms with a few serious roles here and there.
stupid people were not interesting in his acting . they only saw him as beefcake...too bad
He's also great in Frailty! One of my favorites.
That "now imagine she's white" carries fucking monumental emotion and power to another level, so well written and the acting could not be better, I'm glad MM finally has recognition for his greatness today.
incredible
Hahahahaha no it fucking doesnt. It's a completely retarded film, like every fucking angle.
@@trevordrexler1138 cry about it
White or not, killing two rapist out of anger is cold blood murder, and its not justice, his daughter is still alive, if he cut off balls of those two men thats 'probably' acceptable as he ruin the girl womb, but take their lives away after they were arrested ? thats not justice at all.
Why not?
"Killed her tiny womb." I cried sooooooo hard....
Jess Jacobs 😢
It was all sad.. But yea that part hit me so bad. I couldn't stop crying
I don’t give a shit about race. Anytime a child is abused in such an unspeakable fashion, it becomes the duty of decent people to take action and blow these pieces of shit away. This is why I think the Menendez Brothers should receive clemency. They were sexually abused.
@Miles Doyle ?
Just goes to show how racist those men are, they don’t want Black Americans to reproduce. This was a really intense movie and I felt it really brought up a great question; “What justifies killing?” Usually my answer would be never, but if it were my daughter that had gone through what that sweet little girl had gone through then I’d probably do what Carl Lee had done too.
"They killed her tiny womb." made me shed some tears.
"Now imagine she's white." left me as awestruck as Carl Lee and the audience.
Bit made me cry is when the little girl is in the arms of her father after she had been beaten and raped and she says " Daddy I'm sorry I dropped the grocerys 😪😪
The first line didn't age well but te second...oooooff that hurts
@@debbiewebster732Same here. I don’t blame the dad one bit for killing the two monsters that did that to her.
Finishing it off with 'now imagine she's white' finally made them realize how terrible this crime was regardless of race. ANY individual who would do that to a child in the heinous way they did wouldn't have deserved to have any mercy done on them.
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
I'm disappointed with some of the comments here saying that Carl Lee (Samuel Jackson) is guilty. The all-white jury had pretty much made up their minds to find him guilty of first degree murder. But this wasn't some hardened criminal, but a father who lost it upon seeing the horrifying brutality meted out to his innocent little girl. Thank GOD Jack Brigance (Maconnaughey) was able use their racial bias against them, making then realize that Carl Lee did no more than what they would do if it had been their own daughters who suffered the brutal rape. But I agree that he should have won an Oscar for this scene; he executed it so brilliantly.
Depends on what he was charged with. Growing up i never understood how he could be completely innocent since he clearly and obviously killed those guys. Now that i understand the law better, if the state just went after 1st degree murder as the only charge, i suppose that he didn't meet the standard for murder 1. It's been a while since i've seen this movie, but unless i'm mistaken, they never talk about the charges, and the judge never really gives the jury any instruction, and we don't see the foreman actually read the charges...just the little boy running out of the courtroom yelling "Carl Lee is innocent." So yeah...if the state went after a bunch of lesser charges, he certainly should have been charged with something, but it's possible that the state overplayed their hand and went for the max.
He did what any father would have done if their little girl was raped and left for dead
He was guilty. This was not meant to be an illustration of temporary insanity or even overcharging by the D.A. Rather, it was an illustration of jury nullification.
@@brandonbuchner1771 dawg no one's gonna care what he was charged with as ajuror after they hear the story. just like no juror will forget when a judge tells them to strict that from there memory.
@@bauerj3398 oh shut up Bauer. someone getting so deep and trying to be smart. God you look like such a tool by your profile.
Like a punch to the gut. Damn shame this movie is so over looked by many.
Sarkastik Leader I can’t believe the critics attacked this movie so badly back in the 90s. It got a lot of terrible reviews.
@@offspringfan1288 Low scores from dumbasses.
Sarkastik Leader As you say
I never forgot the intensity of this scene and I watched this movie 24 years ago
His words, his expression, his interpretation in this very scene made this movie unforgettable for me
This movie is a masterpiece. It’s unbelievable that the same guy directed Batman and Robin!
@@joelubas1752 No, It’s not. Joel Schumacher wrote and directed a lot of good shit
uhggggg. as a father this is impossible to even listen to anymore. kills me.
One can't really put himself in the position of the father until they become a parent. It's really heartbreaking, really.
I'm an uncle, but, I get where you're coming from.
Man i have a girl and a sister this scene boils my blooooooooood
Am not a mother but I will do the same I would want to kill him or them as a victim of sexual abuse I think it hits me more hard he always makes me cry. No matter ur race skin color religion exact we’re alll the same inside we all have the same organs and everything we like different color flowers why can’t we love everyone the same
And the crime in the book is so much worse. It's almost impossible to read in a sitting.
I remember watching this back in high school and taking a test based on the film. One of the questions was "Why did he ask them to picture the little girl as white?". It's because he's basically asking them "Now do you give a shit about her? If she's white, would you give a shit then? Or does it really matter?". Still a great scene.
I took it as it was a double edge sword one was "oh that could been one of us" and the other half would think we'll what does that matter then then bam catch their own prejudice pretty. clever
@Miles Doyle Okay, but what did you think of the movie?
It’s bc of their prejudice they didn’t see the father as human, they didn’t see the child as human, racist see us as animals with no feelings, they were ready to convict him, until all those words finally hit them when the child was described looking like them. It’s about prejudice. I always say I wish white ppl could live one day in our shoes when I hear comments about blacks always playing the race card, if you guys could live just one day in our shoes oh how the world would love more.
or "made them actually relate to the situation" which is obviously not part of the judicial system but whatevs
Maybe every black BLM supporter should take that text, since they only seem to care about their own race being killed by cops. "Now do you give a shit about them? If they were black, would you give a shit then?"
Only difference is, the racist all-white jury in that movie was fictional. BLM is real.
This is what Donald Sutherland’s character meant when he said, “ Don’t be me, be better than me “ Rest Easy Donald 💐❤️
He was choking back tears making the closing statement because it made him think about his baby girl
No, because he imagine any little inocent girl suffering the unthinkable .
His little girl Vida was only born in 2010. This movie came out before that.
What a dumb shit to say... you're going places.
Yo people talk shit but my boy McConaughey could always act, he just chose some dubious roles. Glad he got his oscar and can silence the haters.
Well,he's been back to shit roles for these past few years.
@@tiaaaron3278 the gentleman was a good movie
@@gm7947 Agreed
@Miles Doyle if you was a true preacher for god you would of typed that all yourself instead of copy and pasting it, but I appreciate the blessings lol.
Correct ❤
Matthew McConnaughey crying always makes me tear up as well. His performance in this speech is as stellar as his performance in Interstellar
Ummmm his performance in Interstellar mops the floor with this scene, all he did here was play the race card.
That scene was brilliant. It was done with so much heart and amazing job of acting. Good job, Matthew.
One of the best “mike drops” of all time... and to think the whole sequence was done IN ONE TAKE...
"Mic" lol
@@Sean-zs7mz
You can also say “mike”, aside from “mic”. Feel free to look it up… LOL.
Interesting I didn't know that your right
Are you serious???? Wow. Brilliant
As someone who was an Assistant to a Superior Court Judge who sat on the criminal bench here in New Jersey, this was the most brilliant closing argument I have ever heard
Probably because it's fictional
@@glykeracreated by an actual lawyer.
It reminds me of "To kill a mockingbird" book.
same
tss92777 it's very much like it. That's my favorite book and this one is my second favorite. Both will change you.
The movie is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' -_-
Sushant Mishra no it's not...
Oh I remember that, saw the film too
If one doesn't cry, you ain't human
This is when I knew my calling as a lawyer became clear to me. 🐆
STG! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💯
This is powerul acting by Matthew MCounaghay.
The prosecutor knew he lost at "now imagine she's white" line. Even the judge looked sorrowful to an extent. Perfect fuckin writing!!!!
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
“Now imagine she’s white!” Bone chilling
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
@@garbagepailkids81 why did the movie twist that reality?
@@Mowthelawn3 There was an episode of Law and Order SVU about a true case of mass r@pè in a big city. Perhaps NY , I can’t remember.
In real life a group of black men SA’d an Asian woman.
On the show the assailants were portrayed by white actors .
If you look at who produces and writes much of these programs (off the top of my head I believe Law and Order is produced by Dick Wolf) you’ll begin to notice a pattern.
@@Mowthelawn3 There was an episode of Law and Order SVU about a true case of SA in a big city. Perhaps NY , I can’t remember.
In real life a group of black men SA’d an Asian woman.
On the show the assailants were portrayed by white actors .
@@Mowthelawn3 If you look at who produces and writes much of these programs (off the top of my head I believe Law and Order is produced by Dick Wolf) you’ll begin to notice a pattern.
I'm reading Matthew's book and how he got this part is so emotional. I'm a lawyer and I see horrible things every day. To know Matthew felt the pain for a movie role, that's outstanding character.
I just read this part and that's why I came here
What did he say?
Listen to the audible version Matthew narrates the whole book. You can do both at the same time.
Matthew should've won an Academy Award for this scene alone.
I get the chills every time I watch this ending. EPIC closing argument!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💯💯💯
This is by far the most impactful, closing statement that I’ve ever watched. He’s dripping with Pain, and it comes across so clearly that even a blind person could see it.
My humble opinion this one of the best movies ever made 👍🤘🤞
Except creepy Spacey in it.
That makes two of us.
it is certainly the best adaptation of a John Grisham novel.
Yea I agree i cry makes me get a knot in my throat
That's deep.. I get what he meant, I feel respect right there.
Love this we are our sister's keeper
I remember seeing these scene on TV years ago as a teenager and it stuck with me for some reason. Now that I watch it, the gut punch that is his final line is absolutely heart-wrenching. So much pain and injustice and such a desperate plea for empathy expressed in one sentence. Amazing writing and acting.
"Now imagine she's white...the defense rests your honor"
Yeah but it’s got nothing to do with the case. No ones defending the rapists. You can’t go around taking the law into your own hands. Society would descend into anarchy.
Two wrongs don’t make a right.
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
If this doesn’t make you cry, I don’t trust you as a human.
Natalie Zayas-Bazan Psh. I didn’t cry, just had dust in my eye... or eyes.
I always ball my eyes out.
I didn't cry but at the end I said wow out loud I couldn't believe it. It made me sad and mad because of how white society overlooks and doesn't care much about the incident unless it's a person of their own race.
I'm sorry I couldn't cry I was just full anger to cry so I'm sorry
@@suziepeaches321 thanks man
I just imagined a little girl, no colour, no religion, I just imagined a helpless child against two grown men. Matthew McConaughey's acting is SERIOUSLY underrated
For the people wondering what film this is from, it's called 'A Time To Kill'.
And it's from the same director who made batman and robin :D
Don't tell people that or they'll never watch this movie.
MrBraddles3128 thanks a bunch
Wasn't this also a book by John Grisham??
Yes, his first if I'm remembering right.
Matthew's performance in this was perfect. The way he was telling this closing statement was tearjerking...
When Matthew McConaughey almost breaks down crying at the end how does he not get an Oscar for that. Not to mention that scene is very powerful in the movie.
Well, thankfully, they tend to not give Oscars out for one scene. If somebody would watch Rush in 'Shine' that year, and still say McConaughey should have got the Oscar, I would have a hard time not laughing in their face.
@@bauerj3398 Those two performances are not comparable. Two completely different roles in completely different movies, made by vastly different writers/directors/crew for a different audience. McConaughey played this role magnificently, and Geoffrey Rush couldn't have played better, but it makes no sense to say one performance was "better" than the other, if they were both perfect for the part and played it perfectly.
Also the oscars are a joke and should hold no value or meaning in the eyes of any real movie fan.
@@rayaqin What the eff do you mean, they are not comparable? That is exactly what is happening when one mewls about Actor X or Film X not winning an award. It leads to a comparison because for him/her/it to have won, he/she/it would have to be better than what did win.
As for your cliche about the oscars being a joke, that is laughably pretentious of you to proclaim that, since the people who actually matter (the actors, directors, producers, etc.) all consider the Oscars to be the pinnacle accomplishment in the business. But hey, you know better than them apparently. You should probably set out to enlighten these morons on what is and what is not a 'joke' in their industry.
No wonder Kevin Spacey could play a creep so well. Great scene though
I don't think by the end,his character was meant to come off as a creep. I think he was somewhat touched by the young lawyer's speech and also his skill in making the jury see this event from his eyes. After this,he shook his hand and congratulated him.
Draw on your own experience they say ;)
@Edward89 the film has hidden meaning
@@tiaaaron3278 His character admits he feels sympathy for Carl Lee from the start, and I'm pretty sure he meant it. It's his job as the DA though to uphold the law, and prosecute to the fullest extent.
@@nahor88but he was looking out for number one in his prosecution of the case “I want no mistakes. This is the one we’ve been waiting for.”
This breaks my heart every time I hear it 😭 It's pathetic that there's actually people out there like this 😭
There have ALWAYS AND WILL ALWAYS be people like that.
This is actually true there are people like this and I couldn't agree more he should have got recognition for that role in a way that Samuel L Jackson Reacted as a father any father who has a kid like that would react the same way and there's somebody out there every day walking amongst people not knowing who kids can trust and who they can trust The sad thing is this is only a movie but it portrays real life situations
Agreed
@@richardpowers2622Samuel L Jackson's acting is fantastic. The way it erupts from him "Yes, they deserved to die and I hope they burn in hell!" is so raw and powerful, it's inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time.
It's also pathetic that there are people out there who will play the race card to get what they want, even getting a man who knowingly and willingly committed first degree murder. I've said this before and I'll say it again: Don't dare use what happened to his daughter as an excuse, I would have given the two rapists the death penalty if I could have but society cannot survive if ordinary citizens are allowed to just decide who gets to live and who gets to die. That is opening a pandoras box I know you don't want to open.
Probably one of the best performances ever by Matthew McConaughey.
Absolutely iconic.
This is maybe the greatest performance I’ve seen, you can literally see Matt reaching into his own soul to get these words out. The fact he was able to read this script and say this is representative of the actor he is
The whole cast should have got Oscar ....this movie makes me cry every time
Yeah......no. Not even remotely close
@@bauerj3398 What movies include scenes that have the same impact or are acted better? And don’t tell me the Godfather lmao. Most overrated shit I’ve seen
@@Number_99 The absolute hilarity in trumpeting a piece of poorly written, overracted drivel like A Time To Kill, but dismissing The Godfather as overrated. There is literally a thousand movies better than A Time To Kill, and practically countless scenes that are better. But hey, everybody is entitled to an opinion, no matter how stupid.
Even the extras
Even the extras
This really hit me hard…anyone who did not feel their heart break has absolutely no feelings at all. This closing statement was soooo spot on. I cried hard. And still do every time I watch it.
Some great actors in this scene
I saw this scene as Teenager and was shocked, now im just crying. Unbelivable Scene
Saw this movie 24 years ago but this scene hit me so hard I never forgot his words, his expression, the intensity of the scene and the emotions that this actor was able to convey
Amazing
Well done Matthew McConaughey
I watched this movie at home just after it came out and I have NEVER forgotten this scene. I’m so glad it is immortalised on UA-cam and no longer dies with all the other obsolete dvds and vhs. To me this is one of the most powerful performances and important scenes of all cinematic history
I remember watching this movie as a teenager. After I became a father, this movie hit me so much harder.
Did you have a little girl? Or a little boy?
@@annabelles1622 A little boy. That damn kid changed me in ways I didn't even think of. I can't help but put myself in the position of parents who are going through something hard with their kids.
@@mikeanderson3735 I understand you completely! We see the world in a whole other perspective when we become parents. I have 2 adult sons. No daughters, but still this movie was incredibly painful. I always wanted a daughter. And then I had my first boy. Afterward I was ok with whatever gender I had next! I love them so much!
You’re a good dad I can tell. Congratulations.
He should have gotten an academy award for this
"Now Imagine She's White" One of the most powerful lines ever delivered in any movie, in the history of cinema. That being said, is it just a coincidence that the actor is Matthew McConaughey or better yet that the line is delivered @04:20 in the clip? I think not.
Special Operator this movie features a lot of those! “Turn him loose!” Also “Yes they deserve to die and I hope they burn in hell!”
I don’t under stand please explain
Jesus christ you all love really shitty, cheesy lines. Lol, in the movie, a town with zero Klan presence is riddled with hundreds of Klan members after a dude hands out membership flyers...its a white liberals retarded wet dream to kill dumb racist southerners. A stupid movie about no real issue. The people who did the crime didnt even stand trial...literally no one in the movie defended the rapists. They were killed before they even stood trial, and it woulda made way more sense if the entire town let them off, then ya, that's the time to kill. Really, really shitty movie, if you're looking at it through any type of realistic lens.
@@trevordrexler1138 dude shut the fuck up..why are you so mad
@@trevordrexler1138 why did u get so offended?😂
Amazing performance and movie. I cried throughout but it was an amazing watch.
This is one of the great scenes in film history. One I'll never forget almost 30 years later.
Just watched this movie for the first time and holy cow this performance was amazing. Couldn’t help but shed a few tears
I haven't seen this film (too young when it came out and it just showed up in my shorts today) but DAMN DN DAMN, I AM AT THE EDGE OF MY SEAT, AND WAS SPELLBOUND!
And that mic drop at the end DAMN! I need to watch this now
yes you need to watch this. and so does everyone you know.
@@DiamondBodyHealing PLAN ON IT!
The jurors and everyone else in the room new the case was about the assault of a little black girl. Not one person in that court room thought of anyone else other than the little girl who was assaulted. He goes through the entire assault, which everyone in the courtroom had already heard throughout the trial! Everyone was imagining that little girl and seeing everything he described happening to that little girl in their minds, with the compassion that each one had to offer a black person. The picture painted was horrific. Thinking of any living being experiencing such a nightmare leaves one gutted. So, when at the end of the story he asks them to imagine the girl is white, it's so powerful, because with one sentence, he made even the most racist juror empathize with the victim. It's very similar to hearing about a victim on the news, or your sister or brother being the victim. If you have a loving heart, you feel for anyone who suffers, but even murderers and psychopaths have a Mother or loved one. Amazingly, truly dark hearted people will often still have someone in their life they love. Unfortunately, their ability to reconcile their own pain with that of another, and see that which connects us all, is broken.
Agree with most of this, but I don't agree that he made any jurors empathize. He focused in on exactly the opposite, a lack of empathy. Empathy doesn't require visualizing a member of your family, or someone who looks like you. It's already understanding that it doesn't make a difference. This is a lesson in empathy through shaming people into realizing that, even though they consider themselves good people, they lack it.
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
@@Hexon66 Empathy is often described as the ability to feel what others are feeling as if you are feeling it yourself. A very good way to foster empathy is by teaching that what you feel others feel, we all suffer, we all feel sad or scared or happy. The jurors felt sympathy for that little girl, but not empathy. When he made it hit home for them, that helped them make the connection and see that little black girl the same way they would see a little white girl. They had to then imagine it could be their child or grandchild. Empathy is often within us naturally, but sometimes it may be in short supply, especially if someone is racist or holding onto generational grudges and ideas about people.
One of my favorite movies. So good. Great acting.
Just got through listening to Matthew’s audible of his book Greenlights, and it was awesome hearing the story behind how he landed this part, and how it completely changed his life.
This is possibly the most hard hitting scene in cinema history
Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey, Ashley Judd, Donald Sutherland, Sandra Bullock, and Kiefer Sutherland as the town’s racist maniac….what a cast…what a script…what a movie! Most gripping film I’ve ever seen - from start to finish
Keifer plays the bad guy so well in almost every movie he’s in.
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
Such a powerful scene, the first time I watched this was when I was 12 and this scene always stood out to me. I still cry every time.
Love that film. Love that sceen. Love that actor.
That scene was powerful in so many levels. An abrupt awakening and realization of who you really are.
UNEXPECTED and POWERFUL
GREAT MOVIE!!
Every time I watch this it fills my eyes with TEARS, and BREAKS MY HEART😪😪😪😪💔💔💔
This is one of the most powerful monologues in modern movie history. Makes me tear up every time i’ve seen it.
Matthew McConaughey was born to act this part, it never fails after years of watching this to draw tears.
There has always been something...idk...FRIGHTENING in Kevin Spacey's almost "ironical" stare...
That's one of the reasons "THE USUAL SUSPECTS" is my favourite movie of all...
Thanks for uploading! ;)
Man, Spacey has pretty much always intimidated me! But for me, it goes beyond his roles on film, and I'm wondering if he's simply a scary guy to mess with. Not that he's physically a badass in real life or anything... I just wouldn't feel relaxed being engaged in any type of confrontation with that guy, especially if he pulled that stare, haha.
lol! :D ...me neither, man! - me neither!...
Having said THAT - I think he's an AWESOME Actor by a major "A" and (I'm quite sure of it) a GREAT human being! Have a nice day.! ;)
still sure he's a great human being? lmao
Kevin Spacey in a movie about child molestation...
He does a really good job playing a piece of shit in this movie. I guess when you’re already a piece of shit, it comes naturally.
Matthews delivery of this created one of the most powerful scenes I've ever seen in a movie.
This scene is wonderfully filmed. The dialogue, the growing discomfort and heartbreak on everyone’s face as he tells the story, and how “Now imagine she’s white…” is the moment they all collectively asked themselves “Why does that *matter*?”
Lies again? Small Girl
@Miles Doyle don't use Bible verse as a spam!
But that's the thing though, she was white. More specifically they were white.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Time_to_Kill_(Grisham_novel)#Inspiration
It seems to matter all the time when BLM supporters only care about black victims of police brutality and ignore every other race.
The difference being, one is a fictional woke movie and the other is real life racism.
I cry every time I see this scene. So powerful.
Matthew did an amazing job on this movie
We watched this in school back in 2003 when I was 13. My goodness it changed everybody in my school. That impact factor was strongly needed. I was never one of them type of people, but it was beautiful... to witness many people change in my Year...purely because of this film but preferably this scene alone.
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
I cried after such a long time watching a movie.
Matthew McConaughey such a good actor 👍
When I watched this the first time I was crying, and when he said that I just gasped. You can tell those are genuine tears in the audience. He did this so well, as he always does
Alright alright alright
One of the best movie of him. He nailed it. And this scene years back.
"Now imagine she's white...." Drop the Mic moment!
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
This movie is so underrated. His performance and SLJs performance so powerful.
What a speech the best speech in film I for one watched these and still get goosebumps
ive only seen this movie once way back when i was a kid in 96. never forgot this scene
I always cry no matter how many times I see this.
I'll never forget how I felt, I was already crying, and I stood up. I'm a very emotional t.v. watcher. Especially when its a true story, documentary.
this sickens me eyes open eyes, eyes closed it's so heartbreaking😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭.
Right now this closing statement is so relevant and Powerful... when he flips it around and says ‘now imagine she’s white’ CHILLS!
Oh I read this book! Didn’t know there was a movie! Masterpiece! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
This scene is the OPITOMY of putting someone else in another's shoes. It is a classic and will always be one of my faves when trying to share s story that is relatable. But my BIGGEST appreciation for this scene is the perfect call out on racism. This film, and others like it, should be offered as part of school curriculum about a history and current time in America that is a smear on our nation that needs to be washed.
*EPITOME
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
I didn't know about this movie; his book Greenlights brought me here and will be looking for this movie to watch!
I will not ever forget that scene all these years later I remember that final scene!
I cried at the cruelty and absolute disregard for a human life, let alone a child. The final sentence was so gut wrenching! What a great actor. What an important message!
This movie was one of the best ive seen
Such strong and real massage
True emotional rollercoaster❤❤😭
I watch this at least once a month, for character building purposes.
Years later, this scene (and movie) break my heart.
After all these years this movie still brings tears to my eyes. And oldi but a goodi 🎥👍
ABSOLUTELY THE MOST POWERFUL WORDS EVER
No other movie has ever moved me to so many tears
That bit at 4:03 where MM falters broke me. This whole speech broke me. And the part where he says “Now imagine she’s white” was the greatest argument I’ve ever heard. It’s a very powerful scene that stands out as one of the finest and purest and most from the heart in cinematic history
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
I love this scene.A movie with a important message💪🏼
The book this movie is based on is a true story.
Except in reality the victims were white and the perp was black.
Best scene in the whole history of movies. Thank you Matthew
Excellently written and acted. Unforgettable!!
I cry every time I watched this movie from the beginning to the end, thank you so much for sharing this best movie also thank you for picking the right man to deliver this amazing scene, right attorney to defend the father, my dear husband hugs me n give me more tissues to wipe my tears than he said honey is a great movie 👍🌺🌸❤️