Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)

**Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)** is a powerful legal drama that meticulously details the decades-long pursuit of justice for civil rights leader Medgar Evers. The film opens with the assassination of Evers in the 1960s, quickly moving through the initial two trials of segregationist Byron De La Beckwith, both of which resulted in hung juries despite overwhelming evidence. Its central narrative then shifts to the 1990s, following the compelling transformation of District Attorney Bobby DeLaughter, who forms an unexpected alliance with Medgar’s widow, Myrlie Evers. Together, they reignite the cold case, bringing Beckwith to trial for a third time, three decades after the initial murder, in a desperate bid to finally achieve justice. Notably, some of the characters are portrayed by the actual individuals involved in this true story, lending an unparalleled authenticity to the narrative. For its inclusion on a list of Rob Reiner's best, *Ghosts of Mississippi* stands as a powerful testament to his remarkable versatility as a director. Known for beloved comedies like *When Harry Met Sally...* and *The Princess Bride*, alongside gripping dramas like *Stand by Me* and *A Few Good Men*, Reiner masterfully pivots to a weighty historical legal drama here. He navigates the complex racial tensions and the slow burn of injustice with a keen eye, extracting deeply emotional and nuanced performances from his cast, particularly Alec Baldwin as the evolving DA and Whoopi Goldberg as the tirelessly resilient Myrlie Evers. The film showcases Reiner's ability to tackle profound social issues and deliver a narrative that is not only historically significant but also profoundly human and ultimately uplifting in its portrayal of the enduring pursuit of justice, solidifying its place among his most impactful and diverse works.