Could you believe a rape claim from a woman who was both drunk and stoned? Would you succumb to peer pressure to keep quiet when your best friend is involved in a violent sexual crime? Could you stand up for yourself in a male-dominated world in order to stick to your beliefs?
These are all questions that The Accused asks its audience. Jodie Foster plays the flirtatious, independent woman who is the victim of a gang-rape in the back room of a bar. Her best friend didn't notice, and it is difficult to believe her when she struggles to convince her lawyer, Kelly McGillis, that she is mentally competent to give evidence.
The Accused is a powerful Canadian drama, raising many issues about the morality of human nature. It features a harrowing rape scene, that is slowly pieced together throughout the film which director Jonathan Kaplan does well to keep informative without being overly perverted. Throughout the scene my parents and brother were all captivated and noone dared to utter a word for fear of ruining the film's effect.
Either side of the scene, McGillis plays an attorney rebuffed by her male colleagues for becoming too emotionally involved in a case. She aids the wonderful Foster, who seemed more than capable of showcasing a range of emotions from the cheeky lady in the bar to the woman whose face shows complete terror during the rape.
The music in throughout the movie is wonderful, varying depending on the background that it is playing. This is only beaten by the dramatic silences strategically positioned to keep the audience balanced in suspense.
A film that should be watched for, if nothing else, its ability to make you reassess your own morals.
5 stars
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