Brian Banks (2019)

About Brian Banks

'Brian Banks' is an incredibly moving biographical drama, released in 2019, which tells the heart-rending story of Brian Banks (played by Aldis Hodge). Banks, who was a high school football star with dreams of playing in the NFL, is falsely accused of a rape he didn't commit. The film covers his fight for justice to clear his name with the help of Justin Brooks (played by Greg Kinnear) and the California Innocence Project. Despite his wrongful conviction and losing eleven years of his life to the flawed justice system (five years in prison and another five on parole), Brian Banks robustly maintains his innocence.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Tom Shadyac, who is well-known for his work on comedic films. However, 'Brian Banks' marks a significant departure from his comedic norm. Doug Atchison penned the script, while ShivHans Pictures and Gidden Media produced the film.

Actors

• Aldis Hodge as Brian Banks - Hodge delivers a persuasive performance, showing Brian's vulnerability and determination to fight for justice.
• Greg Kinnear as Justin Brooks - Kinnear portrays the dedicated and tenacious lawyer perfectly, giving a depth to Brooks' character.
• Sherri Shepherd as Leomia - Sherri, as Brian's mother, portrays a resilient and heart-wrenching embodiment of a mother's undying love and belief in her son.
• Melanie Liburd as Karina Cooper - The role of Karina, Brian's love interest, is beautifully portrayed by Melanie, who conveys the strength to stand by Brian during his fight.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The real Brian Banks makes a cameo appearance in the film as a jail inmate.
• Brian Banks was exonerated in 2012, but his story didn't become a movie until 7 years later in 2019.
• In reality, Banks was signed by the Atlanta Falcons after his exoneration, a fact not shown in the movie.

Quotes

• "I'm tired of being angry. Tired of running. None of it's gotten me anywhere." - Brian Banks
• "All you can control in life is how you respond to life." - Jerome Johnson

Music, Soundtrack

• Bounce Back - Snoop Dogg
• Letter To The Free - Common
• The film's score is composed by John Debney, who delicately balances the tone throughout the harrowing journey.

Awards

Although the movie 'Brian Banks' didn't win any awards, it does have a strong message about determination, fortitude, and the human spirit's resilience against all odds.