Introduction
Double Jeopardy is a 1999 American thriller film directed by Bruce Beresford and starring Ashley Judd, Tommy Lee Jones, and Bruce Greenwood. The movie is about a woman named Libby Parsons, who is wrongfully convicted of murdering her husband and sent to prison. When she is released, she learns that her husband is alive and faked his own death to collect on her life insurance policy. The movie has a surprising and controversial ending that has left audiences talking for years.
The Plot
The movie begins with Libby Parsons (Ashley Judd) and her husband Nick (Bruce Greenwood) sailing on their yacht in the San Juan Islands. The couple gets into an argument, and the next morning, Nick is missing, and Libby is covered in blood. She is arrested and charged with murder, found guilty, and sent to prison for six years.
While in prison, Libby meets another inmate named Angie (Annabeth Gish), who tells her about the "double jeopardy" law, which states that a person cannot be tried for the same crime twice. After her release, Libby hires a private investigator named Travis Lehman (Tommy Lee Jones) to help her locate her husband and clear her name.
After some investigation, Libby discovers that Nick faked his own death to collect on her life insurance policy. She tracks him down to New Orleans, where she finds him living under a new identity with their son, Matty (Benjamin Weir). Nick is then arrested, and Libby is granted custody of Matty.
The Controversial Ending
The controversial ending of Double Jeopardy has left audiences divided. In the final scene of the movie, Libby confronts Nick on the roof of a building. Nick taunts her, saying that she cannot kill him because of the double jeopardy law. In an intense moment, Libby pushes Nick off the roof to his death.
Some viewers have criticized the ending, arguing that it sends the message that it is acceptable to take the law into your own hands. Others have praised the ending for its empowering message, showing a woman taking control and getting justice for herself.
Ashley Judd's Performance
Ashley Judd's performance in Double Jeopardy received critical acclaim. She was praised for her portrayal of a strong and determined woman, who fights for her freedom and justice. Judd's performance helped to make the movie a box office success, grossing over $177 million worldwide.
Conclusion
Double Jeopardy is a thrilling movie with a controversial ending that continues to spark debate to this day. The movie is a testament to Ashley Judd's acting abilities, and it remains a classic in the thriller genre. Whether you love or hate the ending, there is no denying that it is a memorable and impactful moment in cinema history.