Review of The Conspirator (2011) by Shay B — 12 Sep 2011

I don't know why, but it is hard for me to pay attention to period pieces. Either the language, the cadence of speech, the costumes or the simplicity...something makes it hard for me to watch. I'm glad I paid attention to this one, though. The plot held my attention and the on-point performances carried it well. It took me awhile to get into this movie, but as the themes revealed themselves, I found myself fully invested. Those who like historical movies and Robert Redford films.

Are in for a good one.

The movie is set right after the North wins the Civil War and tensions are still high between the North and South. James McAvoy plays a lawyer assigned to defend a woman charged with conspiracy relating to the assassination of President.

Lincoln. Having fought for the North in the Civil War, he is deeply patriotic and.

Admires those that he now must battle against in the courtroom. At first unwilling to defend the woman, he becomes more determined to prove his client's innocence once he discovers the freedoms and justices he fought for don't seem to exist in the courtroom.

There are some great performances from the likes of James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Kevin Kline and Evan Rachel Wood. The plot is an intricate mix of courtroom drama and patriotism, It depicts our rights as Americans in a time when they were still working out the kinks.Though not the type of movie I often watch, I enjoyed it. Strong on story, not on action, so it might plod along for some viewers. A cast of young recognizalbe faces might keep the interest of some.

(Justin Long, Alexis Bledel and Johnny Simmons also star.) But overall, the script, well-developed plot and flawless performances kept my attention.