By Millie & Patrick H. Detry
for Heart & Soul
A brilliant adaptation, which was inspired by True Events. This movie premieres on Prime, October 13.
A simply delightful piece of storytelling. Masterful! Emotionally fulfilling. Heartwarming and inspirational. It shows if what you can do as long as you decide on your path. This true story of Willie E. Gary a lawyer who initially only has a Black clientele until he is approached by Tommy Lee Jones and his lawyers, one of them a young Black lawyer, who in our opinion is the unsung star that is instrumental in convincing Willie to take this case, by stroking his ego of never losing a case. Although this undertaking is completely out of is area of expertise.
The story plot, Willie E. Gary, is an unconventional personal injury lawyer with an impressive track record, decides to help financially troubled funeral home owner Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe sue a large funeral home company, the Loewen Group, over a contractual dispute.
When the head of the Loewen Group finds out that O’Keefe has hired a Black lawyer, they go on the offensive and hire an equally tough Black female lawyer (Junnee Smollett) and her contingent of Black lawyers. When it appears that the Loewen Group is about to win. Things get really personal, and from the bond that Willie and Jeremiah have developed, and the similarities in both of their familial bonds. Willie decides to continue fighting for Jeremiah. Willie eventually turns the table on the Smollett team, get a guilty verdict, rather than settling, and asks for an exorbitant amount of money, turns the case around due the arrogance of the Loewen Group chairman, which get the jury on their side. This results in Willie’s and O’Keefe stunningly winning the case in a spectacular fashion.
However, not before the story goes back to Willie’s background of how at a young age he was working as a share cropper. Then becomes the goes to college to become a lawyer. It shows his determination against racism and how he fought and overcame it.
The true story of Willie was the first in his town to go college, Shaw University, then went to the 2nd oldest HBCU Law school, NC Central. He says because they believed in him, he continues to contribute heavily to HBCUs.
He also said that he had won 17 cases, not 13 from his live interview after the screening.
Directed by Maggie Betts. Screenplay by Doug Wright and Maggie Betts. Story by Doug Wright. Based on ‘The Burial’ by Jonathan Harr.
Listen to the live interview of Wille E. Gary.
See Official Trailer Below
