Marshall Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A smooth-talking lawyer is silenced in court, so he uses a nervous insurance guy as his puppet to fight racism in Connecticut, proving that sometimes the best way to win is to let someone else do all the talking.

🍿 Marshall: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The NAACP’s Traveling Crusader

In 1940, Thurgood Marshall, a young NAACP lawyer, travels across the United States, defending African Americans wrongly accused of crimes due to racial prejudice. He is dedicated to ensuring fair trials and fighting against systemic injustice, one case at a time. He insists on defending only the innocent and relies heavily on factual accuracy and ethical legal practices.

Bridgeport, Connecticut: A Divisive Case

Marshall is dispatched to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to defend Joseph Spell, a black chauffeur accused of rape and attempted murder of his wealthy white employer, Eleanor Strubing. This case immediately gains notoriety and becomes a flashpoint for racial tensions in the community. Marshall quickly recognizes the challenges he faces in a prejudiced legal system and a hostile social environment.

An Unlikely Partnership and a Silenced Voice

Due to legal technicalities, Marshall is unable to directly argue the case in court. He must rely on Sam Friedman, a local Jewish insurance lawyer with no criminal trial experience, to act as lead counsel. The judge, exhibiting clear bias, forbids Marshall from speaking in court, forcing him to mentor Friedman from the sidelines. This creates an unlikely partnership that must overcome both legal and social obstacles.

Shifting Allegiances

The trial has the twist of the wife’s allegations that there was no rape that it was consensual. This is a big turning point in the case and opens up how people’s perceptions can change with the law. A small community is swayed by the decision.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Thurgood Marshall (Chadwick Boseman): A determined NAACP lawyer who travels the country defending wrongly accused African Americans, facing racial prejudice in the legal system.
• Sam Friedman (Josh Gad): A reluctant Jewish insurance lawyer who is compelled to defend an accused black man when the judge forbids Marshall from speaking in court.
• Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown): An African-American chauffeur falsely accused of rape, whose defense becomes a pivotal case for Marshall and Friedman.
• Eleanor Strubing (Kate Hudson): A wealthy white woman whose accusations against Joseph Spell ignite a racially charged trial.
• Loren Willis (Dan Stevens): The prejudiced prosecutor who is determined to win the case against Joseph Spell, fueled by racial bias.
• Judge Foster (James Cromwell): The judge presiding over the case who initially silences Marshall, reflecting the systemic racism of the time.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Thurgood Marshall: “The Constitution was not written for us. We know that. But no matter what it takes, we’re going to make it work for us. From now on, we claim it as our own.” – Marshall explains that, despite its origins, the Constitution can and should be used to fight for justice for all, including African Americans.
• Thurgood Marshall: “I only defend the innocent.” – Marshall states his criteria for taking on cases, reflecting his commitment to fighting for those wrongly accused.
• Joseph Spell: “They’re gonna kill me for this.” – Spell’s fear of the consequences of a black man being involved with a white woman in that era, highlights the pervasive danger of racial injustice.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,051,659
• Worldwide Gross: $10,116,816

💥 Marshall Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed watching ‘Marshall’. Chadwick Boseman was captivating as Thurgood, bringing both gravitas and charm to the role. The courtroom scenes were intense, and I was on the edge of my seat wondering how they’d pull it off! I especially loved the dynamic between Marshall and Friedman; their contrasting personalities made for some genuinely funny and heartwarming moments amidst the serious subject matter. Definitely a film that makes you think and feel!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of courtroom dramas”
  • “Those interested in civil rights history”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances”
  • “Individuals looking for inspiring stories about overcoming adversity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racial slurs and prejudice”
  • “Discussions of sexual assault”
  • “Some violence and physical altercations”
  • “Mature themes related to injustice and discrimination”

Professional Reviews

• KIDS FIRST! Film Critic: “Marshall is a sleek legal drama with great performances from Chadwick Boseman and Josh Gad. Touches of comedy bring a welcome balance to its serious topic. The scenes in the courtroom are intense and keep you interested. A must see for those interested in law and history.
• Rollingstone.com: “While the younger me was excited, I found myself wondering how this film would hold up side by side with other black period films like itself in recent history. The performances are all relatively solid by no surprise given the cast.
• Imdb User Review: “An enjoyable and inspiring movie about Thurgood Marshall that is a worthy contribution to the courtroom movie genre. The writing is sharp and witty and the acting and direction are great. Particularly strong is the emerging partnership and friendship of Marshall and the local lawyer, Sam Friedman

Audience Reactions

Chadwick Boseman’s performance as Thurgood Marshall was captivating and inspiring.: Viewers praised the film for its engaging courtroom drama and its portrayal of a crucial moment in the fight for civil rights.

The chemistry between Chadwick Boseman and Josh Gad made the movie entertaining and heartfelt.: Many appreciated the balance of serious themes with moments of humor and camaraderie.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted and engaging courtroom drama that sheds light on a pivotal case in Thurgood Marshall’s early career, though some find it doesn’t delve deeply enough into his personal life.

Awards

1. NAACP Image Awards (Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture)- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Chadwick Boseman and Thurgood Marshall both attended Howard University, adding a personal connection for Boseman in portraying the legal icon.”
• “The filmmakers included Trayvon Martin’s parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, in a scene near the end as a tribute and to highlight the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America.”
• “Director Reginald Hudlin aimed for a lighter touch in the film to make it more accessible, balancing the serious subject matter with moments of humor and levity to engage a wider audience.”

🖥️ How to Watch Marshall?

Marshall is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable on-demand services. Physical copies (DVDs and Blu-rays) are also available for purchase online and in stores. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Marshall, you might like these similar films:

• To Kill a Mockingbird (1962): Both films deal with racial prejudice and injustice in the American South, focusing on a lawyer defending a black man accused of a crime.
• The Help (2011): Explores themes of racial inequality and the courage of individuals who challenge societal norms in the segregated South, similar to the backdrop against which Marshall operates.
• Hidden Figures (2016): Celebrates the accomplishments of African Americans in the face of discrimination, highlighting their contributions and resilience in a similar historical context.
• Just Mercy (2019): Bryan Stevenson, a young lawyer, defends a man wrongly convicted of murder. Both movies tackle legal battles against systemic racism and the fight for justice.

🛒 Marshall Related Products

• Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary: A biography exploring the life and career of Thurgood Marshall, delving into his legal battles and lasting impact on American society.
• Marshall Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official movie poster, perfect for fans of the film and collectors of movie memorabilia.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Marshall – Thurgood Marshall: A stylized collectible vinyl figure of Thurgood Marshall from the Marshall movie. A great addition to any collection for fans of history, law, or movies.
• Civil Rights Movement: A Documentary History: An archive of primary source documents tracing the history of the Civil Rights Movement and Thurgood Marshall’s important impact.

🎧 Soundtrack

Marshall features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Keep a Knockin'” – performed by Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five
• “Stand Up for Something” – performed by Andra Day Feat. Common

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This Magic Trick Explained 😯

Ever wondered how magicians pull off those mind-blowing tricks? This video breaks down a popular illusion – it’s surprisingly simple, but still super cool to see how it’s done!

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