MOVIE REVIEW: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)

I have to admit. I have a soft spot for To Kill a Mockingbird, the 1962 cinematic classic starring Oscar winner Gregory Peck. The novel for which the film is based on, written by Harper Lee, is my wife’s favourite book. But it’s a fantastic film. Let’s talk about it. The flick might be over 60 years old, gloriously filmed in nostalgic black-and-white, but it still packs more punch than a dozen modern dramas. Most “classics” shown in classrooms feel like homework – not this one. Director Robert Mulligan’s adaptation of Lee’s novel remains disarmingly entertaining and deeply affecting as it sincerely tackles big social issues (racial injustice, morality, empathy), without feeling like it’s lecturing down to its audience.

Watching it in 2025, it seems a little “aw shucks” at times but it’s also dealing when it comes to social issues and as simple as the premise really is, it’s unfortunate older generations didn’t learn from the film’s matter of fact message. It’s no surprise the film snagged three Oscars back in the day (including that Best Actor win for Gregory Peck I had mentioned earlier), but its real victory is how relevant it still feels today.

But we’re here to talk about courtroom movies and this is one of the finest with the film’s unforgettable courtroom showdown delivering both suspense and gut-wrenching drama without a single CGI effect or legal thriller cliché. Atticus Finch (Peck) anchors these scenes with quiet gravitas, this good ol’ boy Southern lawyer has the moral fortitude of a superhero (minus the cape — It’s no surprise the American Film Institute named Atticus the greatest movie hero of all time.) His legendary closing argument, imploring the all-white jury to uphold justice is still enough to deliver chills. A testament of that man’s skill. And when the members of the segregated courtroom, packed into the balcony, all stand in respect as Atticus walks out defeated, it’s an emotional knockout blow — a dynamite mic-dropping walk off moment, even in defeat.

Beyond the trial, To Kill a Mockingbird charms with its heart and humanity. The story unfolds through Scout (Mary Badham), Atticus’s young daughter, who gives the film a bit of comedic relief — Her plan to avoid school by cursing – “Pass the damn ham, please” – is adorably misguided but not altogether unclever. But the film’s view through Scout’s eyes, we witness a community grappling with prejudice and kindness in equal measure.

One of the famous lines from the movie comes from Atticus, who famously tells Scout:

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

That line isn’t just good parenting – it’s the film’s soul and something we should all keep in mind today. Even the mysterious Boo Radley (played by Robert Duvall) reinforces this message: the “scary” recluse next door turns out to be a gentle protector.

Revisiting To Kill a Mockingbird today, it’s amazing and slightly annoying how much we haven’t learned as a society. It’s an incredible testament to how this film balances clever storytelling with a serious social conscience. It’s a tremendous balance of strong writing and stronger performances and stickers the landing with the force of a moral thunderbolt. The themes of racial injustice and moral integrity are, sadly, as relevant as ever, and the film addresses them in a way that’s thoughtful but never preachy.

In an era when courtroom dramas and social-issue films come and go, Mockingbird stands its ground and invites us to reflect, to empathize, and to aspire to be better people, no matter what colour we are. Come on, guys, it’s not that hard..

Verdict: Guilty of Cinematic Greatness