MovieChat Forums > True Believer (1989) Discussion > No matter how many times I see this movi...

No matter how many times I see this movie........

posted 8 years ago by lindaoak2001
10 replies | jump to latest

I still want to watch it again. I love lawyer movies myself, having worked for them, in San Francisco, for 25-plus years. I even knew a couple of Eddie Dodds. Watching the Redemption of Eddie Dodd in this film felt very familiar to me.

I believe this film is Woods' best work. He's made lots of very good movies, so it was not an easy choice. But he's way too good to ignore in this one.

I don't understand why there are so few comments posted for this film either. You'd think there would be more talk. Maybe people tend to shy away from the topic of prison, etc. Maybe drug prosecution, informants and such got old hat for some. Maybe a little too much politics; maybe not enough. Having lived the 70s in my youth, it never gets old for me.

The cast is perfection. Downey is perfect bouncing off Woods' character. Total opposites, they learn from each other, and it's wonderful to watch. Some of their conversations are so hilarious that I have to pause so I won't miss the next facial expression.

I was pleased that Dodd's investigator is a women. Yeah, I liked that. Margaret Colin played that extremely well.

Alfre Woodard played a great judge. That lady has range. [[[CORRECTION: SHE WAS THE JUDGE IN PRIMAL FEAR. SORRY ABOUT THAT}}}

The rest of the cast rounded out the ensemble effect very nicely. Plenty of ethnicity to keep your nerves on edge.

The direction was sharp and insightful. A work of art. Should have been nominated.

The location shooting was dreary and somber, like the story. NYC never fails to please. The writing by Wesley Strick is a masterpiece. Everything ties together and makes us think. He surprises us, makes us laugh, makes us sigh, and leaves us wanting more.

So, does that mean the phone company killed Kennedy?

Could be.

[–] TommyRob 8 years ago

I too love this movie. I had big emotions towards Shu Kai Kim's mother and her desperation to save her son. Kurtwood Smith was intense on the witness stand and was actually scary. But I still watch this movie every time it comes on. Sad to say, though, I believe things like this actually happen in the real world.

[–] lindaoak2001 8 years ago

Your remark about Kurtwood Smith, as the DA, is so very true. I skipped over mentioning him because of how disturbing his character was. He made my back crawl. Yes, that stuff does happen. We all know it. It gives the movie a very, very serious bottom line, that of an innocent man used by the system for its own ends. So I did cry when his mother begged for help. I also cried when the prison gate opened at the end for Shu to leave. Darn good film.

[–] ExTechOp (2737) 2 years ago

Your remark about Kurtwood Smith, as the DA, is so very true. I skipped over mentioning him because of how disturbing his character was. He made my back crawl

All true, but what REALLY struck me was the subtle but definite change in his demeanor when Dodds tells him, "Arthur Esparza is DEAD"

Seems to me Smith's character suddenly realizes he's the bad guy for the first time.

Then, when Dennehy comes into the courtroom and Reynard realizes it's all over, he looks defeated ... all with the slightest changes in his expression

Kurtwood Smith self-identifies as a character actor, but I've always felt he's severely underrated

[–] mac57 8 years ago

Watching it now after not seeing it for years. I agree that it's Woods' best movie.

[–] whjones79-1 8 years ago

I would like to thank you folks and am letting you know that I can't wait to watch this thing!

I DVR everything then come to IMDB for COMMENTS, Trivia, Goofs, film locations etc. It helps me enjoy the movie just a touch more.

I followed Kurtwood Smith (That 70s Show)over to this movie. I wanted to see him play something heavier than Red Forman. By your comments I won't be disappointed. I'll be looking forward to his roughness.

I am also a big James Woods fan. (We share the same birthday. Not year but day)
I've loved everything I seen him in and you all seem to think it's his best so I'm all in.

This movie type is mostly my wife's not mine but I'm giving it a go.

K/H D

Just watched it and wasn't all that carried away with it. Like I said my wife is more into this stuff.

I didn't find Smith all that scary. Wood's best work for me is Best Seller.

K/H D

If there's a way to screw something up, the "O'Commie regime" will find it EVERY SINGLE TIME!!

[–] pullman1881 8 years ago

I, too, adore this movie, and I'm not really sure why. Obviously, great script, great acting, but there's just something about it. It's a great mystery; you get some clues if you pay attention. All the pieces fall into place at the end. I have it on DVD and on my DVR - just in case. I love how Eddie evolves into a the true believer of the truth of Kim's case and the real relationship between them. As you said, Downey is perfect in his role. I've always been a fan of Margaret Colin and absolutely love her in this - smart, capable, funny. This is absolutely one of my favorite movies. So glad others agree, regardless of the average total IMDB rating.

[–] lindaoak2001 8 years ago

I believe that Something you mention is the feel-good ending after so much lying, strife and suffering. It gives me a good feeling that makes me feel comfortable with the world.

The only movie I've watched more times than True Believer is The Count of Monte Cristo.

Same reason.

[–] praxistens848 8 years ago

I recall reading a review of Believer when it came out; only saw it years later. One of the best scenes is when Woods romps into the 4-star restaurant to meet w/ Reynard: "May I take your coat, sir?" "Uh, no; it's fine." (They wouldn't use Dodd's coat to wipe off the tables.) Then suddenly, Dodd's hounded by the press.

Seen this movie lit'rally dozens of times. Best lines: "You were my age when you defended that case." "I was never your age!"

[–] Woodyanders 8 years ago

Agreed. This is an excellent film with a bang-up lead performance by James Woods. Moreover, Eddie Dodd's deep-seated need to find a worthwhile cause to believe in gave this movie a touching central theme concerning redemption that makes this picture more than just another routine thriller.

I've been chasing grace/ But grace ain't easy to find

[–] fiero-49251 7 years ago

It's playing on STZAC again! I just never understood Reynard holding on to Kim when he very well knew he was innocent! He had the discretion to allow a plea and release him, but he was too busy protecting all concerned over true justice! 

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