When I saw this in the theater many many  years ago, a redneck leaving at the same time said "They got what they deserved!"  That shows how close to reality this movie comes.  Keeps me from ever visiting the South.  "Save your Dixie Cups: The South Shall Rise Again!" somebody wrote on the bathroom stall's wall.  Great acting and story.  Too bad the prejudice and racism are still rampant today.