Jasper, Texas (2003)

This extraordinary true drama, set in the small town of Jasper, TX in 1998, explores the aftermath of the horrible death of James Byrd, Jr., the African- American who was dragged to his death by three white men. An outraged nation watched as the white sheriff, played convincingly by Jon Voight, and the first black mayor of Jasper, played by Louis Gossett, Jr. struggle to maintain control of their town and their personal emotions. Jasper, Texas is a shocking reminder of the racial tension that still exists today.

A disturbing but necessary movie that had to be made.

I rented this movie when it first hit the video stores & later wound up purchasing a copy on DVD. It was sickening to watch the scene where James Byrd gets dragged to death by the three racist, young white men. I own a book on the tragedy & the book goes into much greater detail regarding the events which led up to the brutal murder. John King, the ringleader, is believed to have been sexually assaulted by a group of blacks in prison & this supposedly made him a bonafide racist. If that's true it doesn't justify in any way what he did to Mr. Byrd, who was just a random victim. I was jumped by four blacks in 1980 when I was 14 (I'm caucasian) & it was definitely racially motivated. For a number of years afterward I had racist feelings but have long since gotten over them. Racism is WRONG & simply cannot be tolerated. Racism must be fought wherever it is encountered because we are all human beings and all equal in the eyes of God. We should focus on our similarities & not on our differences. The KKK is not nearly as strong as it once was & is fading fast. Getting back to the movie, I thought it was good that they showed many blacks & whites trying to bridge their differences (especially the church communities). When the KKK & Black Panthers came to Jasper to start trouble, the town (blacks & whites) stood up to both groups. It was satisfying to watch those three scumbags get what they deserved. Two got the death penalty & the third got life without parole, I believe. Hopefully this will send a clear message to bigots everywhere that this isn't the 19th century anymore & if they commit these violent, hate crimes they will forfeit their own lives. May James Byrd rest in peace. September 12, 2006

Its hard to say how I really felt

This is a movie that will most likely illiciate mixed feelings on both sides of cultures. Although there will always be hate crimes, that doesn't make it right still. But also there is the fact that whites also have racism remarks made against them. Its the same way with every nation and every race, one shouldn't feel as though its just them and their seperate culture under attack.

Jasper Texas is a movie that is full of anger, despair and hate that for centuries has boiled and simmered without being taken care of or tried resolve. Even in this day and age it is a delicate topic and often will have cold shoulders because of it.
This is a gruesome movie, that shows several pictures and scenes that where supposed to happen, people with delicate stomaches probally will be ill-advised to watch this.

If you like historical movies or ones based on true events, this wouldn't be a bad choice to watch. Otherwise...... May 5, 2005

Another great Showtime movie

The movie is hard to watch at some times, but the movie is a great movie. The actors are top notch. This isnt a made-for-tv movie. It's more like a really good Hollywood movie. July 29, 2004

working through this tragedy

I worked for the sheriffs office when this happen and this movie in no way depicts what really happened in Jasper. sure the sheriff and the mayor were a big part but, then so were all the officers and the police chief and the Byrd family. This movie is a disgrace to the people of Jasper. June 13, 2004

How Far We Still Have to Come to STOP the Hate

This movie is one account of what happens all the time in America.It shows how the family of James Byrd really stopped alot of anger that Could have been out or control in the small community...no one should over react to the point of Killing someone!..it doesn't matter where the Victim and the Murders met!This movie was done in GOOD taste and EVERYONE should see it. February 8, 2004

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