Color of Justice (1997)
A racially charged courtroom drama that refuses to flinch, pitting justice against community rage in 1990s America.
Color of Justice - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Jeremy Kagan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 7, 1997 (United States)
- Production Companies: Showtime Networks
- Production Countries: United States of America
Color of Justice - Plot
Four young black men kill a white woman. Now the D.A. is very cautious how to pursue this case because it might start a riot. And adding fuel to the fire is a bombastic and vocal black community leader, who's saying that they will not have a fair trial and that they were justified in their actions because they were in fear for their lives
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Color of Justice - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jeremy Kagan
Main Cast
- F. Murray Abraham
- Gregory Hines
- Judd Hirsch
- Bruce Davison
- Dulé Hill
- Eugene Byrd
- Dayo Ade
- Sandra Caldwell
- Philip Akin
- Dwight Bacquie
Writers
- Lionel Chetwynd
Producers
- Lionel Chetwynd
Color of Justice - FAQs
What is Color of Justice about?
Color of Justice follows a racially charged murder case in which four young Black men kill a white woman, leaving the D.A. walking a tightrope between justice and public order. A fiery community leader argues the men acted in self-defense, turning the courtroom drama into a powder keg of racial tension and moral complexity.
Does Color of Justice have a clear moral verdict?
The film deliberately resists easy answers. Rather than declaring one side right or wrong, it forces viewers to sit with the discomfort of competing truths — systemic racism, personal accountability, and community fear all collide, leaving the moral weight squarely on the audience's shoulders.
Where can you stream Color of Justice for free?
You can stream Color of Justice for free on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Plex Channel, and Fawesome. It's also available on Cineverse. Plenty of no-cost options make this one easy to track down.
Who are the main actors in Color of Justice?
The film boasts a strong ensemble led by F. Murray Abraham as D.A. Jim Sullivan, Gregory Hines as the provocative Reverend Walton, and Judd Hirsch as defense attorney Sam Lind. Bruce Davison and a young Dulé Hill round out the impressive cast.
Is Color of Justice based on a true story?
Color of Justice is not based on a single specific real-world case, but it draws heavily from the racial tensions and high-profile racially charged trials that defined American public life in the 1990s. Writer Lionel Chetwynd crafted the story to reflect those broader social realities.
Who directed and wrote Color of Justice?
Jeremy Kagan directed the film, bringing his experience with socially conscious drama to the project. Lionel Chetwynd, who also served as producer, wrote the screenplay. Together they shaped a taut, debate-driven narrative designed to provoke conversation rather than offer comfortable conclusions.
Is Color of Justice worth watching today?
Absolutely — its themes feel as urgent now as they did in 1997. The film tackles racial bias in the justice system, community anger, and political calculation with a frankness that holds up. The caliber of the cast alone makes it worth 95 minutes of your time.
What movies are similar to Color of Justice?
If Color of Justice resonated with you, check out Dark Blue (2002), Imperial Dreams (2014), All Day and a Night (2020), and O.G. (2018). Each film wrestles with race, justice, and systemic inequality in ways that complement the themes explored here.
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