Woods, as ever, is wired for a fight -- in or outside the courtroom. It's all Downey Jr can do to hold him back.
True Believer (1989)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:22
Fresh:21
Rotten:1
Average Rating:7/10
Runtime: 1 hr 43 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: James Woods stars as a William Kuntsler-style lawyer in this tale of injustice and renewed dignity. In the 1960s, idealistic advocate Eddie Dodd courted controversy by defending outspoken youths... James Woods stars as a William Kuntsler-style lawyer in this tale of injustice and renewed dignity. In the 1960s, idealistic advocate Eddie Dodd courted controversy by defending outspoken youths and free spirits. Alas, in the 20 years since, he has succumbed to cynicism. Nowadays, perpetually stoned, he protects coke dealers who pay for his services with paper bags full of cash. Then Eddie takes on an assistant, Roger Baron, who brings to his attention the case of a wrongly imprisoned Asian man. Suddenly Eddie's conscience is sparked, and he sets out to clear the man's name. As Eddie investigates the crime, he encounters on-the-take police officers, dirty D.A.s, and even neo-Nazis every step along the way. Eddie not only must help an unjustly accused man but salvage his own self-confidence--and stay alive--as well. TRUE BELIEVER, directed by Joseph Ruben, features terrific performances by James Woods and Robert Downey Jr. [More]
Starring: James Woods, Robert Downey, Margaret Colin, Kurtwood Smith
Starring: James Woods, Robert Downey, Margaret Colin, Kurtwood Smith, Yuji Okumoto
Director: Joseph Ruben
Director: Joseph Ruben
Reviews for True Believer
Woods' angry energy is clarifying as well as terrifying, and when he unleashes it (usually without warning), the effect is to focus our attention where it belongs, not on a suspense story but on the mysteries of human behavior.
Woods clearly relishes his chance to display a wide range of emotions within his patented maverick persona, and Downey also acquits himself well in a much less challenging role.
One of the best courtroom dramas ever made, and a movie that almost nobody knows about. A terrific picture.
What counts in Believer is not what happens but how. This is as good a how as any.
Ruben relies too heavily on Woods' whirring turbines to power his scenes.
More DVDs
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 15% 15% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- True Believer at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.



Top Critic

