'Captivating' film that left fans emotional free to watch on TV tonight
A Time to Kill, which first aired in 1996, is based on John Grisham's 1989 novel of the same name and stars Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock and Samuel L. Jackson
A "gut-wrenching" film boasting a stellar ensemble cast is available to watch on television tonight.
The gripping thriller A Time to Kill first hit cinemas in 1996, featuring Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, and Kevin Spacey.
The production also showcased father-son pair Donald and Kiefer Sutherland in supporting parts and marked Octavia Spencer's cinematic debut.
Adapted from John Grisham's 1989 novel of the same title, A Time to Kill chronicles the legal proceedings following the brutal sexual assault of a ten-year-old black girl by two racist attackers who also attempt to murder her.
The perpetrators face arrest, but when the prospect of their acquittal emerges, her father (portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson) unleashes gunfire within the courthouse, fatally shooting both defendants in a vengeful rampage, reports the Express.
Following his subsequent arrest as the case captures national attention, young solicitor Jake (Matthew McConaughey) represents him, sparking political and social unrest with both men's lives endangered as the KKK mobilises street demonstrations.
The film, which broadcasts on Film4 at 9pm tonight, devastated audiences.
One viewer remarked: "This movie was absolutely gut-wrenching-10/10. The acting was superb. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex ready for Matthew's closing statement in the courtroom; it's unforgettable."
Another commented: "Top notch in every way. Huge stellar cast. It's from a John Grisham novel so you know it'll be an interesting, captivating story. TERRIFIC film!"
"Great movie to watch. Emotional!" a third wrote, while someone else commented: "This movie was honestly amazing. It had me emotional, and I couldn't stop thinking about it after. The story was tragic and intense, and the cast was incredible."
Another called it "underrated", while someone else said: "Easily the greatest court room drama ever written and directed. Stellar cast and perfect acting."
Jackson previously revealed that he believed he deserved an Academy Award for A Time to Kill, claiming he was robbed due to crucial scenes being cut from the final version.
"In A Time to Kill, when I kill those guys, I kill them because my daughter needs to know that those guys are not on the planet anymore and they will never hurt her again - that I will do anything to protect her," he told Vulture.
"That's how I played that character throughout. And there were specific things we shot, things I did to make sure that she understood that, but in the editing process, they got taken out."
He argued that the final cut made his character appear as though he "planned every move to make sure that I was going to get away with it.
"When I saw it, I was sitting there like, 'What the f---?'" he added, before saying: "But the things they took out kept me from getting an Oscar.
"My first day working on that film, I did a speech in a room with an actor and the whole f------ set was in tears when I finished. I was like, 'Okay. I'm on the right page.' That s--- is not in the movie!"
He suggested that his scenes were removed because "it wasn't my movie, and they weren't trying to make me a star."
A Time to Kill is scheduled to air on Film4 at 9pm tonight.