The Conspirator

  Robert Redford focuses on the chaotic moment in history directly following President Lincoln's assassination to tell the story of the proud mother charged with committing the monumental crime, and the ambitious young lawyer who reluctantly becomes her defense attorney. The Civil War has ended, and upon returning home, Union War hero Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) endeavors to enter the world of politics by establishing himself as a lawyer. Though a high-society ball provides Aiken with the unique opportunity to gain an audience with standing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton (Kevin Kline), history intervenes when John Wilkes Booth fires the fateful bullet that ends the president's life. The nation is soon engulfed in turmoil as a massive manhunt for Booth's collaborators commences, leading lawmen to Confederate sympathizer Mary Surratt (Robin Wright), whose son John has become a prime suspect, yet remains dubiously out of reach. Meanwhile, as the American public cries out for justice, former attorney general Reverdy Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) persuades Aiken to act as Mrs. Surratt's defense lawyer, and the mounting pressure both in and out of the courtroom begins to weigh on the conflicted barrister's conscience as the pressure turns up on John to give himself up, and save his mother from paying for his crime in the gallows. Kevin Kline, Alexis Bledel, Evan Rachel Wood, and Justin Long co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi Read More

Starring: Robin Wright, James McAvoy, (more)Director(s): Robert RedfordTheatrical MPAA Rating: PG13Format(s): DVD  |  Blu-ray  | Digital SD
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Robert Redford focuses on the chaotic moment in history directly following President Lincoln's assassination to tell the story of the proud mother charged with committing the monumental crime, and the ambitious young lawyer who reluctantly becomes her defense attorney. The Civil War has ended, and upon returning home, Union War hero Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) endeavors to enter the world of politics by establishing himself as a lawyer. Though a high-society ball provides Aiken with the unique opportunity to gain an audience with standing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton (Kevin Kline), history intervenes when John Wilkes Booth fires the fateful bullet that ends the president's life. The nation is soon engulfed in turmoil as a massive manhunt for Booth's collaborators commences, leading lawmen to Confederate sympathizer Mary Surratt (Robin Wright), whose son John has become a prime suspect, yet remains dubiously out of reach. Meanwhile, as the American public cries out for justice, former attorney general Reverdy Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) persuades Aiken to act as Mrs. Surratt's defense lawyer, and the mounting pressure both in and out of the courtroom begins to weigh on the conflicted barrister's conscience as the pressure turns up on John to give himself up, and save his mother from paying for his crime in the gallows. Kevin Kline, Alexis Bledel, Evan Rachel Wood, and Justin Long co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time: 122 mins
Director(s):Robert RedfordWriter(s):James D. SolomonProducer(s):William Holderman, Robert Redford, Webster StoneTheatrical MPAA Rating: PG13(Violence)Categories:DramaLooking for special editions of The Conspirator?See All VersionsSubtitles:Check All VersionsClosed Captioning:Check All Versions Monthly Subscription  NEW! 7 - Day Rental Rent movies and games by mail without a monthly subscription and pay only for the movies and games you want. Blockbuster By Mail Subscribers can use it to get even more rentals each month. You'll have 7 days to watch, then return in the prepaid mailer. No subscription required. Usually ships in 24 hours.
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65 out of  81  people found this review helpful

Pretty decent movie, actually - - even if you don't subscribe to the political views of Robert Redford (which I do NOT !) Good cast with a tremendous performance by Robin Wright. Only problem with this movie was, I was one of only three people sitting to watch this movie. The people who will be attracted to this sort of movie are people like me - - who like documentaries, histories and "special interest" movies.

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36 out of  38  people found this review helpful

An interesting look at an aspect of just-post-Civil War that is not often covered even in history books, let alone in a theatrical release. All performances (especially James McAvoy's and Robin Wright's) and Redford's direction create a suspenseful movie--even though we know how it will end!

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36 out of  42  people found this review helpful

Movie well done. Impressed by James McAvoy's performance. Good acting, filming, direction. Don't know how well history was followed, but it seemed plausible and realistic. Hollywood is famous for twisting history. My type of movie.

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