1964 the year america be at war with itself . thats a pretty good tag line . the promotion for this film seem to pitch it a a thriller or a buddy movie . it be neither . this be a very mature investigation of a racist mississippi town where the brutal murder of three civil right activist take place in 1964. the film be inspire by real life event . dafoe and hackman play the two fbi agent send to investigate . their differing style of pursue the case and dafoe belated admiration for hackman method be an interesting layer of flesh add to the structure of the film . you will see some really nasty racist character play by familiar face like brad dourif and lee ermey and an especially violent michael rooker . all be excellent . france mcdormand really steal the movie a the wife of racist dourif . this film be far more intelligent than some of the stanley kramer movie of the 60 which dealt with racism . it do not shy away from show the seriousness ( and sickness ) of the racial mindset without be excessively preachy . it be in fact very watchable largely due to a colorful and humorous hackman whose character be himself a mississippi small town sheriff at one time and understand the pitfall of the hoover boys go in all gun blaze . highly recommended .