The Pelican Brief (1993) Review in 2025
A young law student uncovers a conspiracy behind the assassination of two Supreme Court justices and must go on the run to clear her name.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
Recommended for fans of thrillers and mysteries, but not for young children due to mature themes and some violence.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The Pelican Brief's plot thickens as Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts) discovers a conspiracy involving a powerful oil company and a corrupt government official, leading to a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase with the CIA and the company's henchmen.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear plot and unexpected twists. However, some plot holes and convenient coincidences detract from the overall experience.
acting8.00/10
The acting is generally strong, with Julia Roberts delivering a standout performance. Denzel Washington and Sam Shepard are also good, but some supporting actors feel a bit miscast.
characters7.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, but some feel a bit one-dimensional. Julia Roberts shines as the protagonist, but Denzel Washington's character feels somewhat underutilized.
direction8.00/10
Alan J. Pakula's direction is solid, with a good balance of action, suspense, and drama. However, some scenes feel a bit rushed or overly long.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but some scenes feel a bit dark or overly reliant on quick cuts. The score is forgettable and doesn't add much to the overall experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Engaging story, well-developed characters, and solid direction make The Pelican Brief a compelling watch.
Cons
Some plot holes, convenient coincidences, and forgettable score detract from the overall experience.
Notable Quotes
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
"The truth is not always beautiful, nor is it always good. It's simply what is."
