The Attorney DVD Review

    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

Special Features: 0/10



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