True Believer 1989
"Someone got away with murder...until now."
In *True Believer (1989)*, acclaimed director Joseph Ruben crafts a gripping crime drama that explores the fading ideals of justice in a legal system skewed by expediency.
Director: Joseph Ruben
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is True Believer (1989) about?
*True Believer* follows a jaded defense attorney who rediscovers his moral compass when an idealistic young lawyer pushes him to take on a wrongful murder conviction. The case centers on a Korean immigrant imprisoned for eight years for a crime he didn't commit, forcing both lawyers to confront the flaws in a system that prioritizes convenience over justice.
Who directed True Believer?
The film was directed by Joseph Ruben, known for his skill in blending crime and psychological drama.
Who stars in True Believer?
The cast includes James Woods as Eddie Dodd, Robert Downey Jr. as Roger Baron, Margaret Colin, Yuji Okumoto, and Kurtwood Smith.
Is True Believer (1989) worth watching?
*True Believer* is a solid entry in the legal drama genre, praised for its sharp performances—particularly Woods and Downey Jr.—and its tense exploration of systemic injustice. While it doesn't reach classic status, its themes of redemption and moral struggle make it a rewarding watch for fans of character-driven crime films.
How long is True Believer?
The film has a runtime of 105 minutes.
About True Believer (1989) — A Legal Thriller of Redemption and Corruption
In *True Believer (1989)*, acclaimed director Joseph Ruben crafts a gripping crime drama that explores the fading ideals of justice in a legal system skewed by expediency. The film follows Eddie Dodd, a once-passionate civil-rights attorney now reduced to defending drug dealers, who finds his cynicism challenged when idealistic young lawyer Roger Baron insists on taking on a seemingly hopeless case. The duo takes on the fight for a wrongfully imprisoned Korean immigrant, accused of murder eight years prior—a case that reignites Eddie's dormant sense of purpose. Set against the gritty backdrop of urban America, the story weaves themes of redemption, institutional failure, and the enduring power of belief in the face of overwhelming odds.
With standout performances from James Woods as the disillusioned Dodd and a career-defining turn by Robert Downey Jr. as Baron, *True Believer* delivers sharp dialogue and tense courtroom drama. The film's atmospheric tension builds as layers of corruption and personal stakes collide, making it a compelling watch for fans of morally complex narratives and sharp legal thrillers.