Two FBI agents investigating the murder of civil rights workers during the 60s seek to breach the conspiracy of silence in a small Southern town where segregation divides black and white. The younger agent trained in FBI school runs up against the small town ways of his partner, a former sheriff.

Mississippi Burning draws on real-life tragedy to impart a worthy message with the measured control of an intelligent drama and the hard-hitting impact of a thriller.

'Mississippi Burning' is a powerful film tackling racism and civil rights in 1960s Mississippi, lauded for its strong performances by Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe. Its gripping narrative and Alan Parker's direction are highlighted. However, some criticize historical inaccuracies and character portrayals. Despite this, many view it as an important, thought-provoking film that effectively conveys the horrors of racial bigotry and the struggle for justice, making it a significant, albeit controversial, work on race relations in America.