Fifteen years after its release, Law Abiding Citizen continues to provoke discussion and intrigue. Directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler, the film delves into themes of justice, revenge, and the lengths to which one might go to seek retribution.
The film follows Clyde Shelton (Butler), a man whose family is brutally murdered. When the perpetrators are given lenient sentences, Shelton embarks on a calculated plan of revenge that targets not only the criminals but also the entire justice system. He manipulates the events around him, leading to a series of escalating crimes that test the limits of the law.
Law Abiding Citizen was praised for its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and thought-provoking exploration of justice and morality. Foxx’s portrayal of Nick Rice, a determined prosecutor, provided a compelling counterpoint to Butler’s chilling performance as Shelton. The film’s twist-filled narrative kept audiences guessing until the very end.
Strong Cast Includes Two Oscar Winners
Jamie Foxx plays Nick Rice, a Philadelphia prosecutor who later became the Assistant DA, five years after his Oscar-winning role in Ray. He would follow up playing a sportscaster in the smash hit Valentine’s Day in 2010.
Gerard Butler portrays Clyde Shelton, a father seeking revenge against Philadelphia’s justice system after the murder of his wife and daughter in a home invasion. Butler also starred in the hit romantic comedy The Ugly Truth in the spring of 2009. Three years prior, he starred as King Leonidas in the blockbuster 300, and he would go on to appear in such hits as Olympus Has Fallen with Aaron Eckhart and Morgan Freeman, The Bounty Hunter alongside Jennifer Aniston and Den of Thieves.
Viola Davis stars as Mayor of Philadelphia April Henry. She is one of the few performers to have won the four major American entertainment awards (EGOT), having won an Academy Award, a Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, and two Tony Awards. Davis’ Oscar Best Supporting Actress was for her role as suffering mother and wife in the drama Fences alongside Denzel Washington.
Leslie Bibb stars as Nick’s assistant Sarah Lowell. Prior to this film, Bibb appeared in popular TV series including Entourage, Nip/Tuck and ER, and blockbusters such as Talledega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby starring Will Ferrell and the original Iron Man starring Robert Downey, Jr.
Bruce McGill, known to many from his role as Sheriff Farley in My Cousin Vinny, is Philadelphia’s District Attorney Jonas Cantrell.
Reception
Law Abiding Citizen opened in second place at the box office with a $21 million initial weekend and would eventually gross $127.9 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars and said “Law Abiding Citizen is one of those movies you like more at the time than in retrospect. I mean, come on, you’re thinking. Still, there’s something to be said for a movie you like well enough at the time.”
However, the film also faced criticism for its graphic violence and its portrayal of revenge as a viable solution. Some argued that the film glorified violence and suggested that individuals should take the law into their own hands.
Despite these criticisms, Law Abiding Citizen remains a popular and controversial film that continues to be debated and analyzed.
Law Abiding Citizen Legacy
15 years later, Law Abiding Citizen is still relevant.
Its exploration of the justice system and the human desire for revenge resonates with audiences today.
The film’s complex characters and thought-provoking themes make it a must-see for fans of thrillers and those interested in exploring the darker side of human nature.
