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Based on a true story, The Conspirator tells the powerful story of a woman who would do anything to protect her family, and the man who risked everything to save her. In the wake of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, seven men and one woman are arrested and charged with conspiring to kill the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State. The lone woman charged, Mary Surratt (Wright) owns a boarding house where John Wilkes Booth (Toby Kebbell) and others met and planned the simultaneous attacks. Against the ominous back-drop of post-Civil War Washington, newly-minted lawyer, Frederick Aiken (McAvoy), a 28-year-old Union war-hero, reluctantly agrees to defend Surratt before a military tribunal. Aiken realizes his client may be innocent and that she is being used as bait and hostage in order to capture the only conspirator to have escaped a massive manhunt, her own son, John (Johnny Simmons). As the nation turns against her, Surratt is forced to rely on Aiken to uncover the truth and save her life.
Special Features:
Special Features:
- View commentary with Robert Redford
- Audio commentary with Robert Redford
- Witness History Featurettes (Witness history Introduction, The Conspiracy, Production Design, Mary Surratt's Catholicism, Costume Design, Military Trial, Props and Special Effects, Frederick Aiken: Defense Lawyer, Mary Surratt: Guilty or Innocent, Sentence and Execution)
- Photo Gallery
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
By L. Power
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
When I went to see this movie I knew nothing about it. The trailer merely indicated a period courtroom drama starring James McAvoy.
While I would hesitate to call it one of the best movies of the year, undoubtedly this movie or more precisely the story this movie relates impacted me more deeply than most do. So much so that I have bought several books on the subject to get as full an understanding of this event as possible.
As an experienced director and actor Robert Redford knows how to push the audiences buttons, making socially relevant, and relatable movies.
Here is a true story of a divided country just arrived at an uneasy peace after a bitter civil war, when recently reinaugurated President Lincoln is suddenly assassinated by an actor in a theater. Not only is the president assassinated, there is a simultaneous attempt to murder the Secretary of State Seward, and Vice President Johnson.
As the manhunt begins for Booth, and his accomplices, suspicions turn to a young known associate John Surratt. Police go to his house, and in his absence end up arresting his mother Mary Surratt for being complicit in the crime of which he is suspected. But is she guilty of being a conspirator, or just guilty of being a mother of an alleged one, an innocent running a boarding house where these conspirators would meet?
She is remanded to be tried in a military court. Frank Aiken, a young veteran of the Union Army, becomes her unwilling counsel. Her rights to a jury trial in a civilian court overruled, one can sense that the odds stacked against her. It's a desperate situation. Her guilt appears to be a foregone conlusion. She is not permitted to testify in her own defencse. Will her son return and save the day?... Read more ›
While I would hesitate to call it one of the best movies of the year, undoubtedly this movie or more precisely the story this movie relates impacted me more deeply than most do. So much so that I have bought several books on the subject to get as full an understanding of this event as possible.
As an experienced director and actor Robert Redford knows how to push the audiences buttons, making socially relevant, and relatable movies.
Here is a true story of a divided country just arrived at an uneasy peace after a bitter civil war, when recently reinaugurated President Lincoln is suddenly assassinated by an actor in a theater. Not only is the president assassinated, there is a simultaneous attempt to murder the Secretary of State Seward, and Vice President Johnson.
As the manhunt begins for Booth, and his accomplices, suspicions turn to a young known associate John Surratt. Police go to his house, and in his absence end up arresting his mother Mary Surratt for being complicit in the crime of which he is suspected. But is she guilty of being a conspirator, or just guilty of being a mother of an alleged one, an innocent running a boarding house where these conspirators would meet?
She is remanded to be tried in a military court. Frank Aiken, a young veteran of the Union Army, becomes her unwilling counsel. Her rights to a jury trial in a civilian court overruled, one can sense that the odds stacked against her. It's a desperate situation. Her guilt appears to be a foregone conlusion. She is not permitted to testify in her own defencse. Will her son return and save the day?... Read more ›
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By E. Evlogidis
Format:DVD
The Conspirator is a wonderful example of how a film based on historical fact can not only be highly entertaining but also very moving.
The Story itself centres on Mary Surratt, a Southern Belle and Confederate supporter who runs a boarding house in Washington D.C. Surratt's son, also a staunch supporter of the confederate cause and courier during the war became involved in a failed plot, concocted by John Wilkes Booth to kidnap President Lincoln. Of course it is Booth who later shoots the President and it is through this link with Booth and the fact that a number of the assassins stayed at her boarding house that Mary becomes linked to the conspirators and is put on trial for the assassination of the President.
I have to say that knowing a little of the Surratt story before watching this film in no way spoiled the atmosphere or the tension of the piece. Robert Redford as a Director obviously feels quite strongly about this story and the sympathetic way in which Mary's story is told only heightens the feeling that justice was not being served as well as it might.
I don't want to give too much away suffice to say that If you are interested in History, (particularly the U.S Civil War), Court-Room Dramas, or just old fashioned Human interest stories told with heart, then this is a film you will enjoy.
The Story itself centres on Mary Surratt, a Southern Belle and Confederate supporter who runs a boarding house in Washington D.C. Surratt's son, also a staunch supporter of the confederate cause and courier during the war became involved in a failed plot, concocted by John Wilkes Booth to kidnap President Lincoln. Of course it is Booth who later shoots the President and it is through this link with Booth and the fact that a number of the assassins stayed at her boarding house that Mary becomes linked to the conspirators and is put on trial for the assassination of the President.
I have to say that knowing a little of the Surratt story before watching this film in no way spoiled the atmosphere or the tension of the piece. Robert Redford as a Director obviously feels quite strongly about this story and the sympathetic way in which Mary's story is told only heightens the feeling that justice was not being served as well as it might.
I don't want to give too much away suffice to say that If you are interested in History, (particularly the U.S Civil War), Court-Room Dramas, or just old fashioned Human interest stories told with heart, then this is a film you will enjoy.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Court room dramas are usually quite watchable (the best in my opinion being The Verdict starring Paul Newman). This Robert Redford offering does not disappoint. The acting is good, the direction is perfect and it's based on a true story.
Poor old Aiken (McAvoy) has everything pitted against him as an inexperienced lawyer trying to defend a woman who will do everything to protect her guilty son even if it means her own demise. A military court heavily weighted behind the prosecution challenges Aiken's resolve and commitment to the US constitution and the right of habeas corpus.
As a period drama it looks authentic and covers the fascinating events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. I suppose the lone lawyer working against the odds in an 'impossible to win court case' has been done many times before, but the historical background and McAvoy's brilliant portrayal of an earnest man makes it a very worthwhile viewing experience.
Poor old Aiken (McAvoy) has everything pitted against him as an inexperienced lawyer trying to defend a woman who will do everything to protect her guilty son even if it means her own demise. A military court heavily weighted behind the prosecution challenges Aiken's resolve and commitment to the US constitution and the right of habeas corpus.
As a period drama it looks authentic and covers the fascinating events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. I suppose the lone lawyer working against the odds in an 'impossible to win court case' has been done many times before, but the historical background and McAvoy's brilliant portrayal of an earnest man makes it a very worthwhile viewing experience.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Spidey
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is an excellent movie that was interesting from start to finish. It highlighted a dark, disturbing historical event of which I knew very little.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By S. EXETER
Format:Blu-ray
As soon as I heard that Robert Redford was directing a film about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln I wanted to see it, more so than the long awaited Steven Spielberg biopic which has been put back yet again; this time until after November 2012's Presidential elections ostensibly to avoid it becoming "political fodder" but more likely to maximise its Oscar potential for 2013.
I recently became fascinated with the Lincoln assassination after listening to the original Off-Broadway cast recording of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins, particularly The Ballad of Booth which explores the psyche of John Wilkes Booth (Victor Garber) and examines Abraham Lincoln's legacy in light of the Abolition of Slavery and the American Civil War.
The Conspirator is the debut feature of the newly founded American Film Company which has taken up the remit to produce historically accurate, entertaining movies based on great stories from the USA's collective past; in this case the account of Mary Surratt the owner of the boarding house where Booth regularly met with his fellow conspirators one of which was Mary's own son, John.
In its opening scene The Conspirator quickly establishes the character of Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) a decorated hero of the Union Army who now works as a trial lawyer in immediate post-war Washington. It also succinctly depicts the scope of the assassination plot which targeted not only the President but Vice President, Andrew Johnson and the Secretary of State, William Seward; with the intent of rallying the diehard Confederate troops who had not surrendered into a revived attack.... Read more ›
I recently became fascinated with the Lincoln assassination after listening to the original Off-Broadway cast recording of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins, particularly The Ballad of Booth which explores the psyche of John Wilkes Booth (Victor Garber) and examines Abraham Lincoln's legacy in light of the Abolition of Slavery and the American Civil War.
The Conspirator is the debut feature of the newly founded American Film Company which has taken up the remit to produce historically accurate, entertaining movies based on great stories from the USA's collective past; in this case the account of Mary Surratt the owner of the boarding house where Booth regularly met with his fellow conspirators one of which was Mary's own son, John.
In its opening scene The Conspirator quickly establishes the character of Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) a decorated hero of the Union Army who now works as a trial lawyer in immediate post-war Washington. It also succinctly depicts the scope of the assassination plot which targeted not only the President but Vice President, Andrew Johnson and the Secretary of State, William Seward; with the intent of rallying the diehard Confederate troops who had not surrendered into a revived attack.... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story
What a great true story . Highly recommend . It's not very often a 52 year old guy sheds a tear at the end of a movie. Read more
Published 16 days ago by Nigel Boucher
3.0 out of 5 stars
Conspirator
Not a great film but an okay watch on a cold winter's evening when there is nothing on the TV.
Published 2 months ago by Jean
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thought provoking
Interesting 'inside view' of an important period of US history, focused on a miscarriage of justice caused by a wish for vengeance rather than justice after the murder of Lincoln. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Birgit
5.0 out of 5 stars
a riveting thriller
a gripping film ihad heard of this film and it dosnt dissapoint i recommend this to everyone 2 hours passed so quickly
Published 2 months ago by crewestew
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Film
if you are in to history like me this is a amazing account of what happened to a inisent person and the powers in charge of a country
and what lengths some will go to prove a... Read more
and what lengths some will go to prove a... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Pentagoth
3.0 out of 5 stars
True historical drama
I was really looking forward to this film of the trial of Mary Surratt, who ran the Boarding House in Washington, from where the conspiracy was hatched to first kidnap Lincoln and... Read more
Published 5 months ago by B. D. Compton
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conspirator
I've not had he chance to view this as yet as is a present for someone, but I'm sure it will be fine
Published 7 months ago by P. Pulsford
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
An utterly compelling account of duty, principle, power, vindictiveness and judicial murder. So good that I sat through the credits because it didn't seem right somehow to walk... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Harry
5.0 out of 5 stars
A moving and engaging piece of film making
The Conspirator is based on a true story. It unfolds the events leading to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The film covers an important chapter of American history. Read more
Published 8 months ago by P. DATTA
3.0 out of 5 stars
Historical Drama
The Conspirator is a well-informed, intelligent, well-acted historical case of gross injustice. The story of a wrongly accused woman who is unfairly tried for a crime she did not... Read more
Published 11 months ago by T. Cosens
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