Swing Vote - Die entscheidende Stimme

1999? Even back then, we knew where things were headed. Prescient or predictable? That Roe v Wade was always so vulnerable, that the Supremes could overturn the law of the land, that women would again have to struggle with other people governing their bodies, relinquishing freedom of choice and the privacy of a decision so personal...who could have thought it. It scares me...what other laws will get overturned? The acting and script do justice to the breadth and depth of debate. Alabama, Texas, Louisiana et al.,...conservative states which call abortion murder, all poor states which neglect those lives once they enter the world, poorly educated, poorly fed, some abused. Prison terms and accusations of murder. Gawd...

Since the day I saw this movie several years ago, I have been trying to obtain a copy of it. That it has not received better reviews surprises me. The movie captured my interest on multiple levels……the insight one gains into the behind the scene politics of the judiciary, the fallible human element of judicial decisions, the ludicrousness and simultaneous pragmatism of the law and the influence of personal politics and values on judicial opinion were fascinating. The astounding reality of our times that could put a woman on trial for exerting control over her own body rightly or wrongly, and ultimately (and the clincher for me) the human face of judicial decisions…..the considerations and final balance of judgment we see applied in Andy Garcia's brilliant closing argument are very moving. I highly recommend it.

A movie about the arguments pro and contra abortion isn't something you see every week. And when such a movie doesn't even make a statement in favor of one the two that's even more rare. This movie is one of this kind. It gives you all the arguments pro and contra but doesn't make a decision for you, which is a good thing.

Everybody who hopes to see a court thriller will be very disappointed. All you get to see are the judges trying to come to a compromise and some lobbyists trying to influence their opinions in function of their own cause. The story has its weaknesses, but overall it is quite good. Same for the acting. Most of the time this is more than just "TV-quality".

This isn't a bad movie, but I do understand why this went straight to video. It wouldn't stand a chance in the multiplex because it isn't a brilliant and gripping story that stands out above the average. In the end this movie may not be the best you've ever seen but it will not be a complete waste of your time either. I reward it with a 6.5/10.

I truly admire Bruckheimer, Anspaugh, Garcia and the writing duo of Bass and Rusconi for making this movie. They did so in 1999, and 23 years later, Roe vs. Wade has been overturned and the film has suddenly become timely and relevant. In addition to admiring their ambition in tackling such a complicated, political, difficult and worthy subject, there are many fine moments in the film. That said, the overall experience was ruined for me by many unrealistic, unbelievable scenes and some very clumsy dialogue. This subject would have been much better served by a multi-part mini series than a 90 minute feature. With more time it could have been told in a realistic and nuanced way.

It's incredible how this movie really understands and articulates the issues at hand. In 2022 we are here. I appreciate the perspective that both arguments have integrity and it is really hard to be an outsider (justice) who must decide what the rules are. It's harder to be a woman faced with this decision. Regardless of how I feel about the outcome I applaud the writers, actors and director for making this film.