The Accused
The first scream was for help. The second is for justice.
Overview
Out drinking one night after a fight with her boyfriend, three men brutally rape Sarah Tobias in a bar while people watch and cheer. District Attorney Kathryn Murphy takes the case; however, she allows the rapists to receive a mild sentence. A distraught Sarah decides to seek punishment for the men who witnessed and encouraged the rape. To get justice, Sarah must take the stand and revisit the night of her attack.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released during a time when conversations about sexual assault were not as prevalent or accepted in mainstream media, 'The Accused' served as a catalyst for increased awareness and discussion about victim rights, rape culture, and the need for societal change.
- Jodie Foster's powerfully emotive performance as the victim of a brutal gang rape, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
- The gripping and suspenseful courtroom drama that raises important questions about victim blaming, consent, and societal attitudes towards sexual assault.
- Exploration of themes such as justice, accountability, and the struggle for healing in the aftermath of trauma.
- Exceptional supporting cast including Kelly McGillis, Frederic Forrest, and Danny Goldman.
Fun Facts
- 'The Accused' was originally titled 'Women on Trial', but the title was changed to better reflect the film's focus on the aftermath of the crime rather than the trial itself.
- Jodie Foster originally turned down the role, fearing it would typecast her as a victim. However, she later agreed to star in the movie after reading a draft of the script and realizing its potential impact.
- 'The Accused' was inspired by the real-life case of Cheryl Araujo, who was gang raped at a bar in Massachusetts in 1983.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"The first scream was for help. The second is for justice."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Angeklagt
"Das einzige Verbrechen, bei dem das Opfer seine Unschuld beweisen muß."
Français
FR
Title: Les Accusés
"Etre une victime a été son seul crime."
Italiano
IT
Title: Sotto accusa
"Essere una vittima era il suo unico crimine."
Español
ES
Title: Acusados
"Ser víctima era su único crimen."
svenska
SE
Title: Anklagad
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Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
We start this film with the image of a young woman, half dressed, running in the rain screaming for help. It turns out she is "Sarah" (Jodie Foster) and after a passer-by takes her to hospital we learn that she has been gang raped in the games room of a bar. Deputy DA "Murphy" (Kelly McGillis) is assigned to the case, and although she believes her client, she is reluctant to prosecute as she doesn't think she can win. Her DA boss "Rudolph" (Carmen Argenziano) insists that they must change the accused three men with something, so they settle on a lesser charge after some plea bargaining. Needless to say, "Sarah" is livid, and tempers really flare when one of the other men from the bar that night, goads her into ramming her car into his. This is the point when the ambitious lawyer has a bit of a volte-face and despite the objections this time of her boss, she initiates a prosecution of the others in the bar for egging on the rapists - criminal solicitation. Can she prove these men are guilty? If so, that will also ensure those who got off lightly will also end up serving full sentences and have the nature of their sexual assaults placed on their criminal records. Foster is impressive here. She offers us a compelling portrayal of a young woman who suffers an heinous assault and struggles for justice. McGillis also delivers well, as does Bernie Coulson - the young "Ken" upon whom much of the chances of conviction rest. The graphically violent scenes towards the end of the trial stages are harrowing, disturbing and effective, and they also provide for an unnervingly nauseating performance from the vocal architect of her assault "Scorpion" (Leo Rossi). The drama is tough to watch, and offers food for thought as to just how victims can ever receive fair treatment in a legal environment that all too frequently takes a "was she asking for it?" approach, and is so oft just automatically stacked against them.
Oscar Awards
Wins
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE - 1988
Jodie Foster
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Trailer
The Accused - Trailer
Trailer
The Accused 1988 TV trailer