...And Justice For All
"One Terrific Movie!" -The Hollywood Reporter
In a criminal justice system where criminals go free, lawyers and judges make deals as a matter of routine and the innocent sometimes go unprotected, young lawyer Arthur Kirkland begins to wonder where the justice has gone. Arthur (Al Pacino, in a brilliant 1979 Best Actor Oscar-nominated role) is an honest, idealistic lawyer who is suddenly under pressure to defend a distinguished judge (John Forsythe) accused of raping and battering a young girl -- and whom Arthur knows is guilty. Jack Warden co-stars as an eccentric, cheerfully suicidal judge who thinks Arthur should play the game. When it comes down to the trial, Arthur must choose between the security of his career and his personal integrity. The final, explosive courtroom scene is unforgettable!
Member Reviews
Thoughtful and funny Norman Jewison production. - estefan
A very engaging courtroom dramedy, some people might get annoyed by the changing moods, but I really liked how it started out as a hilarious comedy and then shifted into a drama about the struggles of a lawyer. Huge credit to the screenwriters and director Norman Jewison for accomplishing that feat. Al Pacino is great, but Jack Warden also deserves praise for his funny supporting role. Of course, it's all leading up to the excellent final scene, but a lot of what comes before it is simply great. I especially liked how it delved into the ethics of being a lawyer and the trials and tribulations that come out of that profession.One of the reasons Al Pacino was the most important actor of the 70s. - Superdave
We don't get many of these types of movies anymore. Studios worry about their commercial appeal (ie. appeal to teenagers on a date) and give us more gory thrillers or rom-coms instead, but back in the 70s the occasional satiric drama would sneak past the studio committee types and hit the box office like a blot of lightning. Part of the reason for this was the presence of successful writers of hard hitting social satire like Paddy Chayefsky among the front of rank of Hollywood scripters and another reason was powerhouse actors like Pacino. Like his earlier hit Dog Day Afternoon, here the camera stays on him like a spotlight as he fights a doomed fight with every breath in his body.
This movie took on a serious subject: a Justice System so lost in its own bureaucracy and politics that it could no longer dispense the thing it was created for, ie. justice. Pacino ran with it in classic fashion, ranting, foaming at the mouth, practically rabid with indignation and frustration. It's a powerhouse performance, not subtle by any means, but affecting, maddening, galvanizing. By the time the movie's over, you want to make this guy governor of New York.
The script by Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson is the film's greatest strength. Years later I could still quote from it line for line. It is funny, clever and insane by turns with enough wildly believable ironies for ten courtroom dramas. Corrupt supposed officers of the court spout on about ethics yet are not above blackmail. The wealthy and connected enjoy privileges, while the bureaucracy grinds up the unsuspecting.
Director Jewison gave everything a professional polish, but then wisely stayed out of the way of his star. This was Pacino's stage and he owned it.
Be prepared to have your world rocked. There are few modern actors who would even attempt a role like this. They want the audience to like them. Pacino just wants to be heard. And he'll yell to make that happen.And Justice for None - Gizmo1
I loved this flick! It's great seeing Pacino so young, and seeing some of his trademark sayings and gestures, developing into the actor we know him as today. I thought the plot was brilliant, simple enough to follow, not convoluted, but with enough ring of truth to touch the conscience of anyone with any sense of true justice. The characters were brilliantly written, great dialogue, and a lot of memories of days gone by with the clothes, lingo etc. Thoroughly entertaining!
Member Reviews
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Thoughtful and funny Norman Jewison production. - estefan
A very engaging courtroom dramedy, some people might get annoyed by the changing moods, but I really liked how it started out as a hilarious comedy and then shifted into a drama about the struggles of a lawyer. Huge credit to the screenwriters and director ...One of the reasons Al Pacino was the most important actor of the 70s. - Superdave
We don't get many of these types of movies anymore. Studios worry about their commercial appeal (ie. appeal to teenagers on a date) and give us more gory thrillers or rom-coms instead, but back in the 70s the occasional satiric drama would sneak past the studio ...And Justice for None - Gizmo1
I loved this flick! It's great seeing Pacino so young, and seeing some of his trademark sayings and gestures, developing into the actor we know him as today. I thought the plot was brilliant, simple enough to follow, not convoluted, but with enough ring of ...