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Heavens Fall

Heavens Fall

2006105 minPG-13Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films
Director
Terry Green
Starring
Timothy Hutton, David Strathairn, Leelee Sobieski, Anthony Mackie

Successful New York attorney Sam Leibowitz travels to the South in 1933 to defend nine young black men accused of raping two women on an Alabama freight train.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Heavens Fall?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Heavens Fall on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Heavens Fall?

Heavens Fall earns 3 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Heavens Fall worth watching?

Heavens Fall's Midcredits score is the 67th percentile of all films, from 2K ratings across 4 sources. 60% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

67th percentile

Better received than 67% of films

68th percentile among Crime64th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)65th
Approval (how many liked it)66th

66 /100

65th percentile of all films

69th percentile among Crime65th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.7 — solid but not unanimous.

60% liked it

66th percentile of all films

66th percentile among Crime63rd percentile among 2000s
60% rated it 7–1040% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 0 noms overall

59th percentile

2K ratings across platforms

51st percentile among Crime51st percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 10% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$4M

What reviewers say

Common ground

A film about the Scottsboro case that focuses on racism and the legal system.

Fans praised

  • finely acted with a strong cast
  • historic context of racial injustice
  • thought-provoking with emotional weight

Detractors panned

  • performances feel phoned-in
  • fails to present a balanced view of the real case
  • nothing spectacular about the film

What stands out

ActingDivisive80

strong performances from Hutton, Strathairn, and the cast

Atmosphere75

immersive depiction of 1930s South

Plot and storyDivisive70

coherent but occasionally predictable

Emotional impact70

moving and thought-provoking

Characters65

accused are underdeveloped; white characters nuanced

Pacing55

moves slowly at times

Originality45

familiar courtroom drama genre

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Heavens Fall like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicHopeful
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Bleak · 8% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its historical material with grave sincerity, refusing to undercut the drama or mock its characters, aiming for earnest historical reenactment.
The rideCourtroom scenes generate sustained tension, while the overarching injustice infuses a melancholic tone, with brief moments of hope during legal victories.
StructureConventional chronological courtroom drama tracing the arrest, trials, and appeals of the Scottsboro defendants.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingInfuriating · 4% of films: Leaves you angry at an injustice the film shows, never at the film.
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer angered by the historical injustice and reflection on systemic racism, prompting thought about the continuing struggle for equality.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% (this title) · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Institutional injustice: A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Tragedy underneath

Why this archetypeA New York lawyer fights a racist legal system that has unjustly condemned nine black men, exposing systemic injustice in a series of trials.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% (this title) · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsOppression · 4% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines the pursuit of justice in a deeply prejudiced legal system, highlighting the oppression of black defendants and the sacrifices of those who fight for fairness.
StanceThe film probes the failures of the justice system under racial prejudice, questioning how truth and fairness can be achieved within a biased framework.

The world

Early 20th centurySmall townInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Tony Llorens
SettingDeep South during the Great Depression, focusing on the Scottsboro trials
MusicHaunting orchestral score that underscores the gravity of the historical events.

Content guide

Is Heavens Fall okay for kids?

PG-13

Heavens Fall is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements including some dialogue” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its sexual content at minimal (0/100). It has too few votes to rank yet.

Overall
needs 3 or more scored categories
not ranked
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Overall standing needs at least three scored categories; this title has 1.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Heavens Fall have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Heavens Fall?

Cast

Timothy Hutton
as Samuel Leibowitz
David Strathairn
as Judge James Horton
Leelee Sobieski
as Victoria Price
Anthony Mackie
as William Lee
Bill Sage
as Thomas Knight, Jr.
Azura Skye
as Ruby Bates
James Tolkan
as Thomas Knight, Sr.
Bill Smitrovich
as George Chamlee
Maury Chaykin
as Lyle Harris
Joseph Lyle Taylor
as Joseph Brodsky

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Heavens Fall?

Movies like Heavens Fall include Nuremberg (2025), Court - State Vs. A Nobody (2025) and Court (2014). Of the 12 closest matches, most are courtroom dramas, and several are films about oppression.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its world: legal. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Heavens Fall?

425 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: prestige drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.