The Pelican Brief

1993

"Unravel the truth before it unravels you."

Also known as: 🇪🇸 ES: El informe Pelícano^? 🇩🇪 DE: Die Akte^? 🇵🇹 PT: O Dossier Pelicano^? 🇷🇴 RO: Dosarul Pelican 🇹🇷 TR: Pelikan Dosyasi^? All international titles (10) →

Drama Crime Thriller 141 min 6.6/10

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Synopsis

The Pelican Brief is a movie released in 1993.

In a gripping tale that intertwines the high-stakes world of political intrigue with the relentless pursuit of truth, a young law student finds herself at the center of a deadly conspiracy following the shocking assassinations of two Supreme Court justices. As she unravels a complex web of corruption, greed, and betrayal, her discovery threatens powerful interests that will stop at nothing to silence her. With danger lurking around every corner, her only ally is an intrepid investigative journalist, determined to bring her story to light, even as the clock ticks down on their lives. This film masterfully blends elements of thriller, crime, and drama, creating an intense atmosphere that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The moral quandaries faced by the characters highlight the fragility of justice and the ethical dilemmas in the pursuit of truth, making it a thought-provoking watch. With strong performances and a taut narrative, viewers will be captivated by the relentless tension and the quest for justice against overwhelming odds. Dive into a world where knowledge is power, and the truth is the most dangerous weapon of all.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 13+

13+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	3/5
Sexual Content	2/5
Language	2/5
Drugs / Alcohol	1/5
Frightening Elements	3/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

The film contains scenes of violence including murders that are pivotal to the plot. While not excessively graphic, the implications are serious and may be disturbing to younger viewers.

Sexual Content

There are some mild sexual references and situations, but no explicit sexual content is presented.

Language

The film contains some strong language, including occasional profanity that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are brief instances of alcohol consumption and references to smoking, but these are not central to the plot.

Frightening Elements

The film includes suspenseful scenes and situations that may be intense or frightening, particularly related to the threats faced by the characters.

Summary for parents:

The Pelican Brief is a legal thriller that explores serious themes such as political corruption and the justice system. It features a blend of suspense and drama, making it appropriate for older children and teenagers, particularly those who can handle complex narratives and mature themes.

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

Sophie's Choic...

1982

Same Director Alan J. Pakula

All the Presid...

1976

Same Director Alan J. Pakula

The Equalizer

2014

Same Actor Julia Roberts

Closer

2004

Same Actor Julia Roberts

The Housemaid

2025

Similar Theme

Shelter

2026

Similar Genre

Where to Watch The Pelican Brief Online

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Box Office

Budget: $45,000,000

Revenue: $195,268,056

Profit $150,268,056

ROI +333.9% (4.3x)

Reviews & Opinions about The Pelican Brief

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The Pelican Brief is directed by Alan J. Pakula .

Cast of The Pelican Brief

Julia Roberts

Darby Shaw

Denzel Washington

Gray Grantham

Sam Shepard

Thomas Callahan

John Heard

Gavin Vereek

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Crew & Production

Alan J. Pakula

Director

More from Alan J. Pakula

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Sophie's Choice

1982 7.5

All the President's Men

1976 7.9

Klute

1971 7.1

Keywords

#suspenseful 131 #dramatic 116 #professor 30 #legal thriller 19 #judge 18 #mission of murder 8 #supreme court 2

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia & Fun Facts about The Pelican Brief

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• The Pelican Brief was filmed in various locations across the United States, including Washington, D.C., where many key scenes were shot to capture the authentic political atmosphere of the story.

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• During the production, Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington developed a strong on-screen chemistry, which contributed significantly to the film's dynamic and engaging narrative.

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• The film features a notable scene where the main character uses a computer to research her theory, highlighting the early use of technology in legal investigations, which was somewhat ahead of its time in 1993.

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• The score for The Pelican Brief was composed by James Newton Howard, whose work often combines orchestral elements with electronic influences, enhancing the film's tense atmosphere.

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• The film features a brief cameo by actor John Heard, who plays a supporting role, and is known for his work in other notable films such as Home Alone and Cutter's Way.

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