IMDb 7.5 1996 HD

A Time to Kill

A Time to Kill

1996
Crime Drama Thriller
149 min R USA
7.385 / 10
7.5 IMDB

A young lawyer defends a black man accused of murdering two white men who raped his 10-year-old daughter, sparking a rebirth of the KKK.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Joel Schumacher / Sharron Reynolds-Enriquez / William M. Elvin / Alan Edmisten / Eric Oliver / Darrell Woodard
Starring
Matthew McConaughey / Sandra Bullock / Samuel L. Jackson / Kevin Spacey / Ashley Judd / Donald Sutherland / Oliver Platt / Charles S. Dutton

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

gripping intense thought-provoking controversial powerful dramatic emotional dated timely unsettling compelling

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
May 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

With a compelling narrative and a star-making performance from Matthew McConaughey, 'A Time to Kill' is a powerful legal drama that resonates long after viewing. The film adeptly balances the procedural intricacies of a murder trial with the…

M
Marcus Thorne
May 15, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

This adaptation of John Grisham's bestseller offers a classic courtroom drama formula, elevated by a committed cast. Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock navigate the moral and legal complexities of a racially charged murder trial. The film’s tone is…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 15, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A formidable piece of filmmaking, 'A Time to Kill' stands out for its unflinching gaze at the dark undercurrents of racial animosity. Matthew McConaughey, in a career-defining turn, embodies the moral compass of the narrative, supported by a…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 15, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'A Time to Kill' is a film that doesn't shy away from its weighty subject matter, presenting a stark portrayal of justice and prejudice. Matthew McConaughey shines in an early leading role, showcasing a charisma that would define…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This legal thriller, adapted from John Grisham's potent novel, delivers a raw and often uncomfortable examination of racial tensions in the American South. Matthew McConaughey anchors the film as a young, idealistic lawyer thrust into a case that…

FAQs

Undoubtedly. 'A Time to Kill' is designed to provoke thought and discussion. It doesn't offer easy answers, instead forcing viewers to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas, the legacy of racism, and the very nature of justice. The film’s power lies in its ability to generate debate long after the credits roll.