The film follows the life of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a talented African-American boxer from New Jersey who is wrongfully convicted of a triple murder in 1966. Despite maintaining his innocence, Carter is sentenced to life in prison, and his case becomes a cause célèbre, attracting the attention of activists and celebrities who believe in his innocence.
While in prison, Carter begins to lose hope and resigns himself to his fate. However, he finds solace in his writing and his memories of his boxing career. With the help of a group of supporters, including Lesra Martin (played by Vicellous Reon Shannon), a young African-American boy who becomes inspired by Carter’s autobiography, Carter launches a legal battle to overturn his conviction.
As the years pass, Carter’s case gains momentum, and new evidence comes to light that casts doubt on his guilt. With the help of his legal team, including attorney Sam Chaiton (played by Liev Schreiber) and activist Lisa Peters (played by Deborah Kara Unger), Carter fights tirelessly to prove his innocence and secure his release from prison.
In a dramatic turn of events, Carter’s conviction is overturned in 1985, and he is released from prison after spending nearly 20 years behind bars. The film ends with Carter reclaiming his freedom and embarking on a new chapter of his life as an advocate for criminal justice reform.
“The Hurricane” is a powerful and emotionally gripping film that explores themes of racial injustice, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit. With Denzel Washington delivering a mesmerizing performance as Rubin Carter and Norman Jewison’s skillful direction, the film offers a compelling and inspiring portrayal of one man’s fight for justice in the face of overwhelming odds.