Watch And Justice for All
- R
- 1979
- 1 hr 59 min
-
7.4 (40,791)
"And Justice for All" is a thought-provoking legal drama from 1979 that stars Al Pacino in his prime, along with Jack Warden and John Forsythe in supporting roles. The movie was directed by Norman Jewison and written by Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson. The story follows the journey of a Baltimore-based defense attorney named Arthur Kirkland, who is tasked with defending a judge accused of rape and murder. Kirkland is a flawed and complex character known for his unconventional methods and for being a rebel in the courtroom. He is passionate about defending his clients, even if it means going against the system and putting his own career at risk.
In the beginning, we get to see Kirkland's life outside the courtroom, which is nothing short of a mess. His personal relationships are crumbling, and he is disillusioned with the legal system. Things start to get complicated when he is assigned to represent Judge Fleming, his former mentor and friend.
The judge is charged with the murder of a prostitute, and under Maryland law, Kirkland cannot refuse to represent him. The case becomes even more complicated when Kirkland discovers that the judge is guilty and is willing to let an innocent man take the fall. Kirkland is torn between his loyalty to his client and upholding the truth, and this dilemma starts to take a toll on his mental health.
As the trial progresses, Kirkland is forced to confront the limitations of the justice system and the corruption that exists at every level. He also battles the system's inherent racism and classism, which comes to light when a poor, black defendant is sentenced to jail time for a minor offense.
The movie is a slow burn, and the tension builds up gradually until the final scenes. The performances are outstanding, especially Al Pacino, who delivers an intense and emotional portrayal of Kirkland. He captures the character's volatility, passion, and vulnerability, making him one of the most memorable characters in legal drama history. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Jack Warden portraying Kirkland's cantankerous colleague and John Forsythe as a pompous district attorney.
The film's themes of justice, corruption, and the power dynamics of the legal system are as relevant today as they were back in the late '70s. It raises important questions about the role of lawyers and judges in society and the ethical dilemmas that come with the job. It also highlights the racial and social injustices that still exist in the justice system and the need for systemic change.
One of the most iconic scenes from the movie is when Kirkland delivers his famous "You're out of order!" monologue during the trial. The scene perfectly captures the character's frustration and anger towards the corrupt system, and it has become one of the most quoted movie lines in history.
Overall, "And Justice for All" is a timeless movie that offers a gripping story, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes. It's a movie that will leave you questioning your beliefs about justice and the law and will stick with you long after the credits roll.
And Justice for All is a 1979 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 58.