Conviction is this fall’s most powerful dramas and if Hilary Swank AND Sam Rockwell are not at least nominated for an Oscar for this film than there is something seriously wrong with this world.  This movie is an unforgettable story about inner power and how one compelling woman’s story can change your definition of the word “love.”

Hilary Swank plays Betty Anne Waters, a single working mother with a history of getting her older brother, Kenny (Sam Rockwell), out of harm’s way.  In 1983, when Kenny is charged with murder in his small hometown in Massachusetts, it was Betty Anne who was certain of his innocence and pledged to get him out.  Betty began an incredible journey, starting from her GED to passing the state bar.  12 years later, she miraculously represented her brother and vowed to prove his innocence.  By obtaining old evidence and utilizing the then new technology of DNA research, she did just that and Kenny Waters walked out a free man in March of 2001.

The performances given by the entire cast was picture perfect and only enhanced the effect of this drama. Minnie Driver, Juliette Lewis, Peter Gallagher, & Bailee Madison are amongst the amazing cast that perfected this film and deserve as much attention as the rest of them.  I intend on keeping my eye on that Bailee Madison.  She was also featured in the movie, Brothers, and even at 10-years-old, this blossoming star brings a tear to my eye every time she hits the screen.  Music and cinematography were right on in Conviction and really, I just can’t say enough about it!  By far one of the best dramas I’ve see this year.  Check out Conviction this weekend because this is a story that is sincerely unforgettable and one you won’t stop talking about.

I had the privileged and opportunity to sit through a Q&A with Juliette Lewis and the actual Betty Anne Waters, herself.  Betty has a charming no-nonsense persona about her and I could sense she was a driven woman with a heart of gold.  Her story, and Kenny’s story, are truly inspirational and it’s amazing what humans are actually capable of.  Although Betty has never practice law since getting her brother out of prison, she still advocates for those wrongfully accused and participates frequently for an organization called the Innocence Project.  Please check out the site, http://www.innocenceproject.org , and learn about more inspiring stories that are happening every day.