Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Dec 29, 2024 4/5

The Hurricane features stellar work from Denzel Washington but it also speaks to the overwhelming amount of injustice taking place in the American criminal justice system.

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Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand Mar 8, 2024

... Jewison’s most passionate work in years; his indignation powers the film.

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Chuck Klosterman Akron Beacon Journal Oct 27, 2023 2/4

There are a handful of scenes that Washington carries all by himself, but the rest of The Hurricane is an ill-constructed failure. It's slow and poorly written, and -- somehow -- it's a non-fiction story that often feels unrealistic

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Tony Black Cultural Conversation Feb 16, 2021 3/5

A powerful case of injustice lacking punch.

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 24, 2010 4/5

Denzel dazzles in biopic of imprisoned boxer.

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Bob Grimm Sacramento News & Review Aug 7, 2008 3/5

The film, directed by Norman Jewison, feels a bit too simple for such a complex story, but Washington transcends the problems to provide his best acting since Malcolm X.

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Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault Sep 24, 2007 D

Startlingly inept coming from a generally accomplished director like Norman Jewison.

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Robin Clifford Reeling Reviews Apr 9, 2005 B

There is a talented supporting cast, but they are not given much opportunity to break out of the two-dimensional symbolism they are cloaked with in the script by Armyan Bernstein and Dan Gordon.

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Peter Rainer New York Magazine/Vulture Aug 7, 2004

The movie's dogged humorlessness, and its sixties-style cant, don't do justice to all the political crosscurrents in this story.

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Jim Shelby Palo Alto Weekly May 20, 2003 3.5/4

The film has genuine impact, and I'm betting that leading and supporting Oscar nominations will follow.

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Liam Lacey Globe and Mail Apr 25, 2003 3/4

A reminder that there's still a lot to be said for the good old-fashioned inspirational Hollywood movie.

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John R. McEwen Film Quips Online Feb 8, 2003 4/5

A thoughtful, moving story, and a triumph for Jewison, Washington, and Carter himself.

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Richard Kelly Sight & Sound Dec 2, 2002

The drama is hung on a vendetta between a flawed-but-honourable man and a doggedly bad cop. Yes, it's Valjean and Javert, together again.

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Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid Nov 22, 2002 3/4

A great showcase for the actor's skills.

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Jean Lowerison San Diego Metropolitan Oct 21, 2002

Some stories are so good that even a Hollywood screenwriter can't ruin them. The Hurricane is one of them.

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Margaret A. McGurk Cincinnati Enquirer Oct 15, 2002 3/4

As the center of the drama, Mr. Washington more than fills the screen; he very nearly sets it on fire.

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Mick LaSalle San Francisco Chronicle Jun 18, 2002 3/4

Give director Norman Jewison credit for two things: 1) He made the movie; 2) He let Washington run away with it.

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