Just Mercy Movie Guide

Photo courtesy of Film Affinity

About the Movie:

Based on a true story, Just Mercy is the tale of a young African American lawyer, Bryan Stevenson. Stevenson fights for justice for Walter "Johnnie D" McMillian, a African American man sentenced to death in rural Alabama for a murder he did not commit.

This movie guide consists of a word of the day and 20 questions to answer while viewing the movie. These questions are aligned to state standards so they mimic the kinds of questions students would see on an English/Language Arts test.

Questions suitable for grades 6-12 and also great to fuel discussions during a family movie night. Younger students could answer with an adults help. Movie Guide packet can also be downloaded for free at here.

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Word of the Day: Systemic Racism

Systemic Racism may be defined as racism that involves the policies (rules), practices and prejudices that keep certain groups of the population unequal. Think about the human body. The human body is made of a group of systems (muscular, respiratory, circulatory, etc.) that work TOGETHER to keep you healthy and alive.

Systemic Racism does not focus on one one interaction. For example, a waiter being rude to you based on your skin color is racism. However, African Americans having unequal access to education, health care, housing, etc is systemic. These systems work TOGETHER in keeping this group oppressed.

As you watch the movie, stop at the designated times and answer the following questions.  Think of the ways in which systemic racism affects the plot (main events) of the movie. *Note: Central character Walter “Johnnie D” McMillian will be referred to as Johnnie D in questions.

 

4:30

1.     What is the initial setting (time and place) of the story? Predict how the setting will impact the plot of the story.

2.     Describe Johnnie D’s interaction with the sheriff when he is stopped leaving work. Include details about what Johnnie D says and does and also what the sheriff says and does.

3.     What crime is Johnnie D accused of? How did the judge impact his sentencing?

7:45 OR 10:35

4.     What is the significance of Bryan and Henry talking about their shared experience of growing up in the church during their jail visit?

 

 

17:25

5.     What impact did being stripped searched during his prison visit have on Bryan? Do you think it was usual for lawyers to be treated in this way? If not, what was the guard’s motivation?

22:53

6.     When Johnnie D first meets with Bryan, Johnnie D has no hope in case. Why does he think this way? Use evidence from the movie to support your answer.

31:41

7.     Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” has been mentioned a few times over the course of the movie as being a famous part of Monroeville history. How does the plot of that book tie into the events of movie? (If you are unfamiliar with “To Kill a Mockingbird” skip this question and come back to it after you have had time to research it).

40:14

8.     What information did Bryan receive during his visit with Johnnie D’s family that may help with the case?

43:46

9.     In his meeting with Johnnie D, Bryan states, “I know what it’s like to be in the shadows.” How does this quote relate to the black experience in America?

49:42

10.                          After the bomb threat on her home, why does Eva say she will continue to help Bryan in his fight against injustice? Use evidence from the movie in your answer.

53:47

11.                          Why did Darnell decided not to testify in Johnnie D’s case?

 

58:51

12.                         How was Bryan’s experience being pulled over by the cops similar to Johnnie D’s at the beginning of the movie?  Why do you think the police pulled Bryan over?

1:10:43

13.                        At the beginning of the film Johnnie D looks up to the sky peaking through the pine trees. He imagines it again here. Why does he compare himself and Herbert to those trees?

1:22:06

14.                        Why did Johnnie D and the other inmates shout and bang on their cells to make noise before Hebert’s execution?

15.                        Herbert is a Vietnam veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome (PSTD) at the time of his crime. On the day of his death, he says, “More people asked how they can help me today than they asked in my whole life.” How does this quote connect to the Black Lives Matter movement’s protest of the flag and the military?

1:28:18

16.                        Why did Ralph Myers agree to help the police frame Johnnie D?

1:42:56

17.                        Describe Johnnie D’s feelings when being returned back to his cell after the judge dismissed his case.

Final Questions

18.                        What leads to the dismissal charges against Johnnie D?

19.                        Why do the inmates react the same way when Johnnie D is released from prison as they did when Herbert was executed?

“The opposite of poverty isn’t wealth the opposite of poverty is justice.” What does this quote mean in your own words?