The Attorney (2013)

To think that The Attorney was Yang Woo Seok’s directional debut is a bit hard to believe. It feels as if one of South Korea’s veteran directors made this one.

This film is one of 2013’s most critically acclaimed films domestically and that doesn’t surprise me a bit. You see, The Attorney is based on the real-life story of the ex-president Roh Moo Hyun’s early years, when he used to be an attorney and human rights activist. It also takes a controversial case from 1981 as its main focus. This film is neither a legal thriller nor a courtroom drama. It doesn’t focus on a desperate attorney trying to win a case or someone trying to prove his innocence; it’s more like a serious depiction of the social and political status in South Korea back in the days. Something low-keyed but contains greater value.

The emotions and reactions throughout the film were quite penetrating. You’ve got to give director Yang Woo Seok credit for what he did with the storytelling, he didn’t only direct this film but he also wrote it himself creating a respectable piece. He didn’t use anything that’s high-profiled because basic elements and some emotions-play were more than enough to deliver great developments and captivating events.

Without doubt, no one can deny Song Kang Ho’s astonishing acting skills, he’s able to grab any character and make you feel it throughout. It was impressive how he delivered Song’s character, every emotion and every facial expression were too involving. It’s not for naught that Kang Ho ahjussi is one of the fewest critically acclaimed actors in and outside South Korea. The rest of the cast delivered so well, the director knew how to pick his actors because a little exaggerated acting would’ve blown everything into thin air but gladly, none of that happened here.

Considering the fact that this film was set in the late 70’s and the beginning of the 80’s, the cinematography felt fitting but not more than the music, it had an important part to make you connect to the characters and events.

Watch this if:
-You like films that are based on true-life events and characters.
-You like to watch an interesting film about politics in South Korea 30 years ago.
-You like Song Kang Ho; this is one of his better performances.

Do not watch if:
-You’re not into romance-free films with somewhat slow development.
-You’re looking for something light or thriller-like.

The Attorney is an interesting film that concentrates on political and social issues in South Korea back in the 80’s. It’s absolutely a success for the newbie director Yang Woo Seok and a wonderful introduction to follow his work in the future.

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This story reminded me of Miracle of Cell No. 7 in its general themes (which actually came after this show, but I watched Miracle first), yet in several ways it differs. I'm glad to say that this movie doesn't feel emotionally manipulative, although the story progresses nicely from emotional lows to victorious emotional highs. And that's something I really enjoy about it.

Song Kang-ho brings 110% to every role he plays. I thoroughly enjoyed his performance, as always. He put in a convincing performance for a character who starts off in the story as a slimy and money-faced lawyer, but grows and evolves to become a man and a lawyer of conviction who is utterly convicted of his beliefs, and who you would be proud to support. Kim Young-ae puts in such a moving performance as Jin-woo's kind-hearted and wise mother. Im Shi-wan is really good as a fresh-faced but principled young man.

This movie was a hit in Korea, understandably so. It addresses a pretty recent part of Korean history, it appropriately brings you through the emotional highs and lows, is based on a true story, and has a fantastic cast. Highly recommended.

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Lunga strada per la democrazia e giustizia

Un magnifico film, come lo sono spesso i film basati su fatti realmente accaduti.
Una storia struggente specialmente quando si vorrebbe che la giustizia trionfasse.
L'unica cosa per la quale mi si stringe il cuore: che fine ha fatto quel povero soldato vittima per avere testimoniato la verità. E che fine ha fatto quel dannato torturatore che l'ha avuta vinta.
Questa storia fa ricordare che ancora dopo 25 anni fino ad oggi, dopo 67 anni, le due Coree sono ancora in guerra, purtroppo, dato che non c'è alcun trattato di pace ma solo un armistizio e le armi possono riprendere il fuoco in qualsiasi momento. E' questa aria di tensione che si respira in questa storia.
Strana cosa che chi si dichiara contro la dittatura comunista, per combatterla usa i peggiori metodi della dittatura che vorrebbe scongiurare: arresti arbitrari da parte di forze militari, torture, intimidazioni, processi manipolati, legge del più forte anche nel sistema produttivo oltre che nell'amministrazione pubblica. Mi rendo conto che ancora negli anni ottanta, anche in Corea del Sud, la democrazia e il rispetto dei diritti umani erano ancora lontane anche se in questo caso narrato una grossa conquista fu fatta. Giudicando da altre storie ancora oggi in Corea del Sud esiste la disuguaglianza del trattamento sociale basato sulla ricchezza. Conoscenze, potentati , immunità, considerazione basate prioritariamente sull'avere e non sull'essere.

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This movie is such underrated. Not many review written. I want to bring more viewers to this movie. The movie started relaxing I thought it is a comedy. Then it suddenly turn serious, and very serious. I was yelling for JUSTICE. Come on. How can a Corrupted judge get away with such obvious injustice. .

This movie effect will not be the same if the main lead was some other actor. Song Kang Ho nailed it. One of his best performance yet. From “Joint Security Rea”to “A Taxi Driver” to “Parasite”. Wow, camera can just focus on him and no one else, he was so real to his role. He wasn’t acting, he pour his heart out to be the person in the story.

The movie own us a lot of explanation. As a viewer, naturally I want happy ending, see justice surface, see bad guys get punished and good person reunite with the family... . However, I remind myself this movie is about the attorney. He become the role model for lot of attorney in Busan to stand for justice and united. A brave soul, outspoken, wise attorney.

The OST at the last scene was perfect. I wish the movie goes on a little bit longer. I want more more more explanation, what is next. I guess people have to read the history of South Korea to get the whole story and big picture.

This is a Must see movie

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At first i was confused, but then i understand. It's a movie about a real life of ex president of South Korea, Roh Moo-Hyun. I hope the ending will leave more explanations, and i hope that it has more episodes to explain his life. Anyway, i read his biography and I understand more, what an astounding man. He is definitely one of a kind. He rise to be a president when he only came from a humble beginning as a son of poor farmer and a high school dropped out.

He fight against violation of human right and after some time, he become president of Korea. (He was also the first president who visit North Korea for peace.) Anyway, as a context of this movie, I understand it's very hard to fight against country's dictatorship, when u are an idealist, and fight for common people, many powerful figures will go against you.

This is such a real story on what happened in our world, not only in south korea, but in other countries as well, those with power and money can do anything they like. It's such a rare thing to have someone like this main lead who has a heart to help innocent people. Although u cannot always win, but it's worth to fight for... argh very sad, anyway it's a recommended one.

I gave it 9.5 only because 2 hours do not seem enough to explain how awesome his character is. he should have been given a trilogy. After i know and read this Ro Moo-Hyun's life, i sincerely respect him. It's a true story that's why i like it most!! I always love a true story :,)

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