The Hurricane

| 1999

Directed by: Norman Jewison

Main Plot

The Hurricane follows the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a talented African American boxer wrongfully convicted of murder in the 1960s. After achieving success in the boxing ring, Carter's life takes a dramatic turn when he is arrested for a triple homicide in a New Jersey bar. Despite a lack of physical evidence linking him to the crime, he is sentenced to life in prison. The film also highlights the racial injustices and systemic discrimination prevalent in the legal system during that era. Years later, a young Canadian man named Lesra Martin, inspired by Carter's story, becomes determined to help him. Lesra, along with his friends, embarks on a mission to uncover the truth and fight for Carter's freedom, ultimately revealing the flaws in the case against him and the impact of racism on his conviction. The narrative intertwines themes of hope, resilience, and the quest for justice.

Characters

  • Denzel Washington plays Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongfully imprisoned for murder, whose fight for justice becomes a symbol of racial injustice and perseverance.
  • Vicellous Shannon plays Lesra Martin, a young man who helps uncover evidence to free wrongly imprisoned boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, highlighting themes of justice and perseverance.
  • Deborah Kara Unger plays Lisa Peters, a Canadian activist who helps fight for Rubin "Hurricane" Carter's release, believing in his innocence and working tirelessly to prove it.

Ending Explained

In the ending of The Hurricane, the main conflict surrounding Rubin Carter's wrongful imprisonment reaches a resolution. After years of legal battles and advocacy from supporters, including a young Canadian man named Lesra Martin, the truth about the flawed evidence and racially biased trial is finally revealed. The film culminates in a pivotal court hearing where the judge acknowledges the injustices faced by Carter and the lack of credible evidence against him. As the judge declares Carter's conviction unjust, the emotional weight of the moment is palpable. Carter, who has spent nearly two decades in prison for a crime he did not commit, is finally exonerated. This moment not only symbolizes personal redemption for Carter but also serves as a broader commentary on systemic racism and the failures of the justice system. The film closes with Carter walking free, surrounded by his supporters, signifying hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The ending reinforces the narrative's themes of justice, perseverance, and the power of collective action, leaving the audience with a sense of triumph over injustice.

Norman Jewison Biography Drama Sport Denzel Washington Vicellous Shannon Deborah Kara Unger