Watch The Judge and the Assassin

The Judge and the Assassin, directed by Bertrand Tavernier and released in 1976, is a historical drama based on true events. The movie revolves around the outrageous crimes committed by a mentally unstable man named Joseph Bouvier and the efforts of an ambitious, idealistic judge to get him convicted. The movie combines elements of a psychological thriller with a commentary on French society during the Third Republic.

Philippe Noiret plays the role of Judge Rousseau, who has a reputation for being tough on criminals. Rousseau is assigned to investigate a series of murders committed by Joseph Bouvier, a former soldier suffering from PTSD. Bouvier is played by Michel Galabru, who gives a very convincing performance as a man on the brink of insanity. Isabelle Huppert plays Rose, a young prostitute who is the only witness to one of Bouvier's crimes.

The Judge and the Assassin takes place in France in the late 19th century, a time when the criminal justice system was still in its infancy. The movie portrays a society that is grappling with change and struggling to find its place in a rapidly changing world. The violence and chaos that Bouvier brings to the story underscore the sense of uncertainty and instability that existed during this era.

Rousseau is determined to get Bouvier convicted at all costs, even if it means bending the rules of the justice system. He is driven by a sense of moral duty and a desire to uphold the law, but he also has a personal stake in the case. His own father was murdered, and he sees the Bouvier case as a chance to prove to himself and to the world that justice can be served.

As the investigation unfolds, the lines between right and wrong become increasingly blurred. Rousseau must weigh his own moral compass against the demands of the legal system and the outcry of public opinion. He is constantly challenged by Bouvier's cunning, his legal team, and the political forces that seek to use the case for their own gain.

The Judge and the Assassin is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that raises important questions about justice, morality, and mental illness. The performances by Noiret, Galabru, and Huppert are outstanding, and the cinematography effectively captures the mood and tone of the story. The movie is both a historical drama and a commentary on the human condition, and it will leave you thinking long after the closing credits have rolled.

In conclusion, The Judge and the Assassin is a must-see movie for anyone interested in history, law, and psychology. It is a well-crafted drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Despite being released over four decades ago, the movie is still relevant today and it is a testament to the enduring power of cinema to provoke thought and emotion.