Mississippi Burning (1988)

Things haven't changed much. I mean, they have changed quite a bit, but still, being black in America is rough but especially so in 1964 Mississippi.
The FBI is called in to investigate the deaths of three young civil rights workers, two white, one black. And it is not an easy investigation, especially since no one wants them there.
Rupert Anderson (Gene Hackman) is originally from Mississippi, though he has since moved on but he is use to the culture and tries to get on the people's good side while Alan Ward (Willem Dafoe) is younger and in charge and he tries to do everything by the book.
It isn't until a witness, the pretty and kind wife of the deputy is nearly beaten to death that Mr. Ward (so formal, always calling each other by their last names) changes his tune. They manipulate the mayor (who eventually commits suicide) to giving up the information.
Seven men were involved but naturally, they are not charged with murder because this is Mississippi and they would never be found guilty so instead they are charged with civil rights violations and do end up with jail time, not enough for the lives of three men will never breath again, but it is something.
Overall, the film is solid with Hackman (Oscar nominated) and Dafoe (no nomination) matching each other beat for beat and Frances McDormand as the deputy's wife is great leading the way for performances. The romance between Anderson and Mrs. Pell (McDermond) is underdeveloped and inappropriate to say the least.
The main problem I have with the film is the line that Anderson really likes, shamelessly stealing it from a celebrated black comedian Dick Gregory, but nevertheless it is effective, yet no credit is given to its rightful owner. And this film is painfully sad, with the FBI perhaps causing even more harm to come to the community, with constant beatings and burning down houses and churches. The best line comes at the end, when Mr. Ward says that the mayor is just as guilty as the men who pulled the trigger and maybe they all are. While they use their evil tactics for a greater good, the tactics are mean and cruel, not to mention unethical. 
Though I do have problems with it, the film shows that hatred is taught from generation to generation and how difficult it is to overcome it. And it shows a depressing time in our history that will hopefully eventually be just that, history. Grade: A-