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American Violet

Play trailer Poster for American Violet PG-13 2009 1h 42m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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75% Tomatometer 57 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
After an overzealous district attorney's drug bust lands her in jail, single mother Dee Roberts (Nicole Beharie) must face an agonizing choice: Plead guilty and go home a convicted felon, or fight the charges and risk a lengthy prison sentence. Despite her mother's (Alfre Woodard) advice and risking everything, innocent Dee chooses to fight the Texas criminal justice system, joined by an ACLU attorney (Tim Blake Nelson) and a former narcotics cop (Will Patton).
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American Violet

American Violet

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Critics Consensus

Though its politics are as obvious as its outcome, American Violet is an earnest docudrama about the justice system with a powerful performance from Nicole Behairie.

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Critics Reviews

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Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online 09/12/2017
A
It's beautifully told, passionate and sensitive to the true story and the victims that lived it. Go to Full Review John Hartl Seattle Times 10/15/2009
3/4
While it may be about as subtle as a swinging sledgehammer, it does leave its mark. Go to Full Review Tom Long Detroit News 05/15/2009
C+
A well-played if too-familiar story of oppression and injustice. Go to Full Review Dan DiNicola The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY) 02/03/2018
At the center of the drama is Nicole Beharie, who inhabits her role as a woman unjustly maligned with intelligence, conviction and regal sense of pride. Go to Full Review Kelly Vance East Bay Express 08/18/2011
Less a social-problem film than a drama of personal courage. Go to Full Review Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com 08/31/2009
3.5/4
Nicole. Beharie. Remember the name, for if her stunning lead turn is any indication, huge things are in the future. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Frances H 05/20/2015 Inspiring story of a brave woman who faces a corrupt justice system and triumphs. We need more people like her and movies like this one to call attention to what needs to be changed. See more 04/25/2015 Excellent movie, as an attorney can say this is one of more accurate legal dramas I have seen. Sorry I didn't hear more about this when released but a very powerful movie and still very timely. Great acting! See more 11/17/2013 A brutal look at the violence and injustice of the American way of life which is passionately filmed. The actors bring the raw emotions to the screen with heartache. The ignorant superiority of the white against the black in this true American lifestyle movie comes across strongly showing that Americans are the worst people and society on earth and should be corrected. Nibbles: Chocolate Orange Cake. See more 10/18/2013 Wish I'd Seen this Sooner! This true story was told very well and translated well to the screen. Nicole Beharie's performance was fascinating! I've seen a lot of her work recently and some of her other roles sort of blend because of their similarities. This one however definitely stood out. Not simply because it's a bit of a departure from her other characters, but also because of her performance. I was a bit skeptical she was going to make this character believable; by the end I'd all but forgotten it was actually Nicole Beharie on stage. Alfre Woodward was, of course, flawless in this movie. Xzibit's performance surprised me a bit--he was GREAT! Not too over-the-top, not too flat; his work was just right. Films like this can easily drag on, or be a bit slow, often times playing almost like documentaries. This was definitely a film. One I could watch again. Great Film! See more 08/07/2013 I enjoyed this depiction of the justice system gone wrong and a fight to fix it .The resolution at the end seemed a little too swift and easy, but otherwise a good picture. See more 10/26/2012 Seems way too fictional. See more Read all reviews
American Violet

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Cast & Crew

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Tim Disney

Director

Nicole Beharie

Dee Roberts

Will Patton

Sam Conroy

Alfre Woodard

Alma Roberts

Tim Blake Nelson

David Cohen

Michael O'Keefe

Calvin Beckett

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American Violet

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Movie Info

Synopsis After an overzealous district attorney's drug bust lands her in jail, single mother Dee Roberts (Nicole Beharie) must face an agonizing choice: Plead guilty and go home a convicted felon, or fight the charges and risk a lengthy prison sentence. Despite her mother's (Alfre Woodard) advice and risking everything, innocent Dee chooses to fight the Texas criminal justice system, joined by an ACLU attorney (Tim Blake Nelson) and a former narcotics cop (Will Patton).
Director
Tim Disney
Producer
Bill Haney
Screenwriter
Bill Haney
Distributor
Samuel Goldwyn Company
Production Co
Uncommon Productions LLC
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Material|Language|Drug References|Violence)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 17, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 22, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$552.9K
Runtime
1h 42m
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