The film received generally positive reviews from critics but was a financial disappointment, grossing $969,205 in its limited run against a budget of $5.5 million.

At the 4th Independent Spirit Awards, Foster won for Best Female Lead, while Turturro was nominated for Best Supporting Male.

[3] It has been misconstrued as a public domain film and pirated by many distributors who released poor quality VHS and DVD printings.

Heinz, recently released from prison after serving time for attempted rape, returns to his old neighborhood to reunite with his ailing mother and to reignite his twisted relationship with Linda, his near-rape victim.

Having embraced Buddhism and pacifism, Harry seeks to join Dr. King's movement, complicating his task of protecting Linda once again.