Search
Erin Brockovich
(2000)
|
In a world where heroes are often in short supply, the story of Erin Brockovich is an inspirational reminder of the power of the human spirit. Her passion, tenacity and steadfast desire to fight for the rights of the underdog defied the odds, her victory made even more sweet by the fact that while helping others, she in turn helped herself. Erin Brockovich is a stirring, funny and unconventional drama based on true events, starring two-time Academy Award* nominee Julia Roberts as the twice-divorced mother of three young children who sees an injustice, takes on the bad guy and wins. With no money, no job and no prospects on the horizon, Erin Brockovich is a woman in a tight spot. Following a car accident in which Erin is not at fault, she finds herself even worse off when her attorney fails to land her any kind of settlement. With nowhere else to turn, Erin pleads with her attorney Ed Masry to hire her at his law firm. It is there, while working, that Erin stumbles upon some medical records placed in real estate files. Confused, she begins to question the connection. She convinces Ed to allow her to investigate, where she discovers a cover-up involving contaminated water in a local community which is causing devastating illnesses among its residents. Although the local citizens are initially leery of becoming involved, Erin's persistence and the personal interest she takes in their lives makes them listen. A kindred spirit, Erin is one of them, and her ability to connect with them on their level makes them comfortable, ultimately earning their trust. Helping her out is her next door neighbor George, a Harley Davidson biker whose friendship and support allows her the time to pursue the case. Going door to door, she signs up over 600 plaintiffs, and Erin and Ed, with the help of a major law firm, go on to receive the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history, $333 million. By triumphing over insurmountable odds, she is able to prove herself, and reinvent her life. |
Radio Times
This has little of the flair we've come to expect from Steven Soderbergh, the Oscar-winning director of Traffic, and it does resemble a standard “issue of the week” TV movie. Yet this drama's ace in the hole is Soderbergh's fellow Oscar winner (for best actress) Julia Roberts, who earns every cent of her $20-million salary in a sensationally showy role as the spirited heroine. A twice-divorced mother of three, Brockovich lands a job in the office of a small-time lawyer (Albert Finney), and there she stumbles across some misplaced medical records while filing real estate documents. Intrigued, she investigates, eventually uncovering evidence that a power company has wrecked the health of a local community with contaminated water. Based on a true story, Soderbergh's emotionally-rich drama is compulsive viewing, thanks not only to Roberts's throat-grabbing performance, but also to Finney's loveable turn as the minor-league attorney who's well out of his depth and a perfectly pitched script by Susannah Grant. While the film is too long, it remains compelling throughout.
Halliwell's Film Guide
Unexpectedly lively and amusing movie of a heartening true story, one that gives Julia Roberts her best and most convincing role so far, as a feisty but vulnerable mother who refuses to be intimidated by anyone.
Highest rated reviews
Most recent reviews
Related news
Top 10 Aaron Eckhart
August 25, 2010
Top 10 Aaron Eckhart
October 07, 2009
Zeta Jones to play Cleo
October 28, 2008
Nothing But the Truth
November 25, 2008
What Happens in Vegas: Tom Vaughan interview
May 01, 2008
