'' The Accused '' premiered at the 39th Berlin International Film Festival , where it competed for the Golden Bear . It was released in limited theatres on October 14 , 1988 by Paramount Pictures and was highly controversial upon release , mostly due to its graphic representation of gang rape . The film became a critical and commercial success grossing over $ 37 million worldwide , against its $ 6 million budget and was chosen by the National Board of Review as one of the Top 10 films of the year . Reviewers praised the film 's audacity , the authenticity of the portrayal of subject matter , and for being the first film to deal with the horrors of rape and its aftermath on a victim 's life . Foster 's performance marked her breakthrough into adult roles , earning numerous accolades including the Academy Award for Best Actress
39th Berlin International Film Festival
39th Berlin International Film Festival
The Accused (1988 film)