Conviction

I just saw the film, "Conviction" on DVD and I must say it delivers exactly what it promises. It is about a brother and sister (played by Sam Rockwell and Hillary Swank) and the bond that holds them together forever. The brother has been convicted of murder and is wrongfully convicted at that. His sister who has not finished high school is so committed to seeking justice for her brother that she journeys to become a lawyer to right the wrong that has cast a dark cloud upon the family.

It wasn't a bad film - I would compare it to "The Hurricane" starring Denzel Washington (1999). What makes the film extraordinary is the story because I could imagine myself giving up numerous times. This journey that Hillary Swank goes on costs her her marriage, custody of her sons (or at least, they prefer to live with their dad in their teen years because of her obsession with her brother's case) and other important milestones that pass her by.

The questions that I felt impressed upon me were:
1. Would I do the same for my loved ones? Would I sacrifice years and years to see justice done or would I simply make peace with it and move on?
2. Was it worth it?
3. Could I unsettle my family for one family member?

In the end, it could have been worth it (I wont' give away everything but it's fairly satisfying). Some good questions come out of this that are worth asking. I am reminded of Jesus' parable of the lost sheep where he leaves the ninety-nine in search of the one that is lost. Certainly, Hillary Swank is no Jesus but I thought the comparison was apt.

The film's rated 14A - mainly because the f-word is used a lot. It seemed at times that the people portrayed on film had Tourette's Syndrome as they use swearing almost as an art form in the way they say it so much in most sentences. There are a couple of graphic shots of the murder victim but no graphic violence. Take this warning seriously if language is offensive to you. Overall, I would give this film 2.5 Pop cans out of 5 (meaning good).

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Greg