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The Conspirator Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Frederick Aiken
Mary Surratt
Secretary Edwin M. Stanton
Anna Surratt
Joseph Holt
Reverdy Johnson
News & Interviews for The Conspirator
Critic Reviews for The Conspirator
All Critics (171) | Top Critics (58) | Fresh (95) | Rotten (76)
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November 17, 2011 | Rating: 2/5 -
This may be a talky court drama, competent rather than inspired, but the fact that it is based on truth lends its argument force.
July 1, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 -
A very stately, bland piece of work, perhaps best shown to high school history classes.
June 30, 2011 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
Makes you pause and consider, not the fragility of justice and human rights in extreme circumstances, but the fusty and enfeebled condition to which Robert Redford's filmmaking has sunk.
June 30, 2011 | Rating: 2/5 -
American studies A-level students will find all this useful, and Redford's son is less likely to ask the director, as he reportedly did during the filming of The Horse Whisperer: "Why are you doing this crap?"
June 29, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
A solid historical drama that carries a few too many political messages.
June 27, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Conspirator
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Mar 14, 2016Destined for American high school level history classrooms, this concerns the rushed trial the assassins of Abraham Lincoln, and asks if some Constitutional guarantees were tossed aside in order to achieve quick vengeance, as well as the execution of the first woman in U.S. history. It's a Robert Redford film and so reeks of quiet grace despite the pace being that of a dying-friend-in-the-hospital visit. The work of all onscreen is exemplary, particularly Robin Wright.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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Aug 14, 2015The Conspirator is one of the best true story/historical films I've seen. Nothing needed to have been added or taken from this accurate accounting of events for dramatic purposes. Without exaggeration, this is a legal story like no other; this is much more fascinating than fiction. I thought I knew this story, but I really didn't know the facts at all-just the headlines involving Booth. Those involved in this project did masterful jobs. Robert Redford crafts a revealing look at the rush to judgement. This tale of scapegoat justice is just as applicable in our time as in 1865. McAvoy and Wilkinson are spectacular, and Robin Wright displays a stoic sort of grace I haven't seen before. I can't imagine another actress capturing this woman's essence any better.Clintus M Super Reviewer
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Aug 04, 2014A controversial historical biopic, The Conspirator is an impassioned political drama from director Robert Redford. The film follows defense attorney Frederick Aiken as he attempts to defend Mary Surratt, who's charged as a conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, but he soon discovers that the trial is more about politics than truth. Redford takes a decidedly pro-Surratt position and is very condemning of the tribunal system that was used to try the assassination conspirators. Still, the plot addresses some fascinating issues and themes about war, justice, and law. The cast is also extraordinarily good, featuring James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Kevin Kline, Evan Rachel Wood, and Tom Wilkinson. The Conspirator takes a few liberties with history, but it's a well-crafted and compelling film that asks provocative questions.Dann M Super Reviewer
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Apr 20, 2013The film portrays the aftermath of Lincolns murder; the trial of those who were caught in the act. However, the focus here is on the defense of Mary Surratt, the mother of one of the suspects who allegedly escapes the crime scene.successfully, The execution of the movie is quite conventional, but its roller-coaster story makes it watchable enough. Of course, it wont be all the same interesting for those of us who are well versed with history (or, for that matter, any subject as far as I'm concerned). The courtroom dramas are usually known for their fiery dialogues/sequences, but there's hardly any here. All these deficiencies, coupled with average performances, doesn't let the movie rise above mediocrity. All in all, its a passable fare. The conspiracy to kill the President followed by the conspiracy to send a seemingly innocent woman to gallows only goes on to prove how aptly the flick is titled. If only it were equally great in other departments too......... 4.5/10familiar s Super Reviewer
The Conspirator Quotes
Frederick Aiken: | For the lawyer as well as a soldier, there is an equally imperative command. That duty is to shelter from injustice, the innocent, to protect the weak from oppression and when necessity demands, to rally to the defense of those being wronged... |
Joseph Holt: | Was this the man? (Grabs a head of one of the Conspirators) |
Joseph Holt: | Was this the man? [grabs a head of one of the Conspirators] |
General David Hunter: | No sir. |
Joseph Holt: | (He stands stunned, then realizing his mistake, he grabs another conspirator.) Was this the man? |
Joseph Holt: | [he stands stunned, then realizing his mistake, he grabs another conspirator] Was this the man? |
General David Hunter: | Yes sir. |
Frederick Aiken: | It's not enough, is it Mr. Holt? It's not enough that you set the rules, you pick the judges. Now you have to turn my witness as well. |
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