Despite the films supposed moral code I still think its exploitative rubbish.

Wilbur-10

Controversial look at womens rights in the liberated 1980's, focusing on a gang rape in a crowded bar. Film claims high ideals and explores the right of a woman to decline sexual advances at any stage, despite giving out signals of encouragement to dumb-ass males.

'The Accused' has been highly praised because of its head-on tackling of its subject matter, but the film is crude and clumsy with Foster (as the victim) and McGillis (as her attorney) no better than adequate in stereotyped roles. The explicitness of the rape scene leaves a sour taste in the mouth, and questions whether the films intentions were anything more than cheap entertainment disguised by its claiming of the moral high-ground.

Whilst not denying the important issues which the film may have brought into the public eye, looking at 'The Accused' purely through the cinematic lens it is a cheap sham. 'Straw Dogs' and even 'I Spit on your Grave' are both far superior.

score 3/10

Wilbur-10 18 October 2000

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0253621/