“Mississippi Burning” is a 1988 crime drama film directed by Alan Parker, starring Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe. The story is loosely based on the real-life investigation into the 1964 disappearance of three civil rights activists in Mississippi. Hackman and Dafoe play FBI agents Anderson and Ward, who are sent to investigate the case in a deeply segregated and hostile Southern town. Their differing methods—Anderson’s street-smart, pragmatic approach versus Ward’s by-the-book professionalism—reflect the tensions within the Civil Rights Movement itself. The film portrays the rampant racism and violence of the time, capturing the intense atmosphere of the Civil Rights era. “Mississippi Burning” received critical acclaim for its powerful performances and gripping narrative, and it highlights the brutal realities of racial hatred and the struggle for justice.
Mississippi Burning
