Mississippi Burning (1988)

Mississippi Burning poster

"1964. When America was at war with itself."

Movie · 1988 · 2h 8m · Released · Drama, Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Synopsis

Two FBI agents investigating the murder of civil rights workers during the 60s seek to breach the conspiracy of silence in a small Southern town where segregation divides black and white. The younger agent trained in FBI school runs up against the small town ways of his partner, a former sheriff.

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Mississippi Burning trailer

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Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

  • Gene Hackman as Agent Rupert Anderson
  • Willem Dafoe as Agent Alan Ward
  • Frances McDormand as Mrs. Pell
  • Brad Dourif as Deputy Clinton Pell
  • R. Lee Ermey as Mayor Tilman
  • Gailard Sartain as Sheriff Stuckey
  • Stephen Tobolowsky as Townley
  • Michael Rooker as Frank Bailey
  • Pruitt Taylor Vince as Lester Cowens
  • Badja Djola as Agent Monk

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BingeNext's take

If you’re into gripping dramas that mix crime and mystery with a heavy dose of history, Mississippi Burning is a powerful choice. Set in the 1960s South, the film follows two FBI agents as they try to uncover the truth behind the murder of civil rights workers in a town deeply divided by segregation. Watching it feels intense and thought-provoking, especially as you see the clash between the younger, by-the-book agent and his partner, a former sheriff who’s used to the old ways of the town. The cast, including Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe, brings a lot of depth to the story, making it feel real and urgent. At just over two hours, it’s a serious watch that’s perfect for anyone who appreciates films that tackle tough social issues through a suspenseful, dramatic lens.

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