Mississippi Burning (1988) ??? 35 Years Later ??? flames, fury, and red-hot hatred

Alan Parker’s film begins with such unsettling violence and chilling ferocity that we’re immediately settled into the world he presents. Parker’s depiction of Mississippi is that of a totalitarian society masquerading as a democracy. Of course, it quickly becomes clear that the entire town is run by racists and rednecks. While the plot remains a sharply executed detective thriller, the message Parker imparts is even more hard-hitting: expunging such hatred is a task that no single investigation can fix. It requires digging out at the root. Mississippi Burning triumphs as a taut, enthralling film with an important story and mesmerising performances, overcoming an underlying white saviour narrative in the process.

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