Actors: Kang-Ho Song, Do Won Kwak, Si-wan Yim
Director: Yang Woo-Seok
Format: Multiple Formats, Color, Dolby, NTSC, THX, Widescreen
Language: Korean
Subtitles: English
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Well Go USA
DVD Release Date: June 17, 2014
Run Time: 127 minutes
It is pretty
amazing to consider that just over twenty-years ago a film like this would not
have been possible in South
Korea due to censorship laws. Their national
cinema has burst forth as one of the most impressive worldwide in the last two
decades, and The Attorney is yet
another example of their ability to learn from the success of Hollywood while retaining uniquely South
Korean elements. It is a true-story courtroom drama, but this does not stop
director Wook-seok Yang from inserting humor into the film, making for an
extremely watchable film full of depth.
Though there are
some clear historical and political aspects of The Attorney, the strength lies
in the decision to allow the narrative to be driven by its protagonist rather
than the message. The movie plays like a biopic, based on some of the early
activism of former president of South
Korea , Moo-hyun Roh. Kang-ho Song (The Host, Snowpiercer) stars as
Woo-seok Song as an opportunistic lawyer without a college education. Utilizing
clever business tactics such as taking on the task of a notary or a tax
accountant if it means more business, Song quickly becomes one of the most
financially successful lawyers around. It isn’t until he is faced with
injustice firsthand that Song finally decides to get involved in more
meaningful aspects of law.
Frequently
visiting a local restaurant run by a kind woman, Song discovers that her son
has been arrested for suspected communist activity. Threatened to serve serious
jail time for essentially just belonging to a book club with fellow students,
his only chance comes from the unlikely support from Song. Though he has no
respect within the law community, Song becomes dedicated to expose the illegal
and immoral activities practiced in retaining a confession from the students
for an easy conviction.
The DVD is
lacking in special features.
Entertainment Value:
7.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7.5/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
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