Watch The Exonerated

The Exonerated, released in 2005, is a thought-provoking drama that explores the experiences of six people who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit. Based on a true story, the movie delves into the lives of these individuals, who collectively spent over 100 years on death row, and who were later exonerated through new evidence, DNA testing, or the work of dedicated lawyers.

The movie brings together a star-studded cast, featuring Brian Dennehy, Danny Glover, Delroy Lindo, Aidan Quinn, Susan Sarandon, and David Brown Jr. Each of the actors plays a real-life character, bringing their struggles, emotions, and hopes to life on the big screen. With a runtime of 95 minutes, the movie offers a dynamic and engaging portrayal of the American criminal justice system, and the many ways in which it can fail innocent people.

The Exonerated begins by introducing the six protagonists, each of whom endured a unique set of circumstances that led to their wrongful imprisonment. These include Sunny Jacobs (Sarandon), who was sentenced to death after being falsely accused of murdering two police officers; Kerry Max Cook (Quinn), who was wrongfully convicted of raping and murdering a young woman; and Gary Gauger (Dennehy), who was coerced into confessing to killing his own parents.

Through a series of flashbacks and monologues, we learn about the harrowing experiences of these six characters, as well as their fights to clear their names and regain their freedom. The movie also explores the important role played by lawyers, activists, and witnesses in helping the exonerated individuals find justice. Among these are David Keaton (Brown Jr.), who was wrongly convicted of murder and freed with the help of an investigative journalist, and Robert Earl Hayes (Glover), who spent years on death row before being exonerated by DNA testing.

As the movie progresses, we witness the profound impact that wrongful imprisonment has had on each of the exonerated individuals, as well as their loved ones. We see how Sunny Jacobs struggled to come to terms with the loss of her partner, Jesse Tafero, who was falsely accused and executed alongside her; and how Kerry Max Cook was labeled a sexual deviant for decades, despite being innocent of the crime he was accused of.

Through it all, The Exonerated taps into the powerful themes of forgiveness, redemption, and human resilience. It explores how the experiences of the exonerated individuals have changed them forever, and how they continue to fight for justice and against the death penalty. The movie highlights the ways in which the criminal justice system must be reformed to avoid such wrongful convictions and increase transparency, ensuring that those who are accused of crimes are granted fair and just trials.

Overall, The Exonerated is a moving and powerful drama that explores important themes and sheds light on an aspect of the criminal justice system that is often overlooked. The movie is a must-see for anyone interested in issues of social justice and human rights, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for truth and justice in the face of adversity. Whether you're a fan of drama or true crime stories, The Exonerated is a movie that will leave you captivated and moved.

The Exonerated is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.