This is a well-crafted, mostly well-acted, satisfying 'Stick It To The Man' melodrama that has few real surprises, but which I found enjoyable anyway (after all, sometimes The Man needs to be Stuck). The brush strokes are broad here, at times perhaps crossing the line into stereotypes, but there's a good job done at the beginning bringing the characters to life, so that you end up caring about their story. Especially good are Roger Guenveur Smith in the lead role and Allen Hamilton as the primary villain; supporting cast is, well, supportive, with Joe Minjares adding some wry humor. Best of all, despite the film's serious message: the injustice of racial oppression, it avoids getting too preachy (a common failing in the SITTM genre), telling the tale with a pretty deft touch and some humor. Minor quibble: the ending unfolds hastily; don't let your attention stray in the last 10 minutes. Overall, a solid film with some thought-provoking points and a satisfying Good Triumphing Over Evil story.
6 Reviews
Great Film / Should be a high school curriculum requirement
tyncindy8 January 2005
This movie is excellent, this movie is educational for the naive and misinformed, this is a must see film that I would like to purchase. HOW CAN I FIND THE DVD/VHS?
The content in this film is definitely something that would scare the powers to be within the system. The system is unfortunately bound by economics, politics and who you know in law enforcement. To many people fail to receive truth and justice found in their cases for every reason other than equal protection under the law. The current system is a game that the DA's office are only in it to win it, not be the finder of fact as we are led to believe.
Anton Scalia's opinion on trials involving the death penalty, and the percentage of cases that may be wrongfully convicted holds true throughout the entire legal system, as scary as it may be: "defendants are not guaranteed truth or justice, they are only guaranteed a fair trial under the law." Obviously, the only people that would agree with such a corrupted thought, have not had injustice hit home with them. It is not until it does hit home for the privileged, that they understand the magnitude of the flaws in our system, no matter what the progress has been. We can always strive to be better and equal the playing field for everyone.
The content in this film is definitely something that would scare the powers to be within the system. The system is unfortunately bound by economics, politics and who you know in law enforcement. To many people fail to receive truth and justice found in their cases for every reason other than equal protection under the law. The current system is a game that the DA's office are only in it to win it, not be the finder of fact as we are led to believe.
Anton Scalia's opinion on trials involving the death penalty, and the percentage of cases that may be wrongfully convicted holds true throughout the entire legal system, as scary as it may be: "defendants are not guaranteed truth or justice, they are only guaranteed a fair trial under the law." Obviously, the only people that would agree with such a corrupted thought, have not had injustice hit home with them. It is not until it does hit home for the privileged, that they understand the magnitude of the flaws in our system, no matter what the progress has been. We can always strive to be better and equal the playing field for everyone.
Movies Are NOT Good Soapboxes
KMeister19 April 2006
"Justice" is a "message" film that's heavy on the message, light on the script and direction. Simply put, it just doesn't work. The concept is sound: African American public defender fed up with the system starts his own firm to take on the system. His plan: shut the system down by not taking any plea bargains. The concept is sound but the script is too simplistic and in your face. Roger Guenveur Smith, in the lead role, actually does a competent job with what he's been given--which isn't much. But his character is too self-righteous for the viewer to care about what happens to him or his clients. Although we get to see him interacting at home with his wife, Smith and Monica Calhoun don't really have much chemistry together.
The film contains a lot of preaching about how the system incarcerates black men but no mention that many of these men are guilty; in fact, they're repeat offenders who deserve to be incarcerated. My verdict: "Justice" is guilty of being boring in the first degree.
The film contains a lot of preaching about how the system incarcerates black men but no mention that many of these men are guilty; in fact, they're repeat offenders who deserve to be incarcerated. My verdict: "Justice" is guilty of being boring in the first degree.
Movie that is Very true to life
danceability6 June 2009
Very True Depiction of the ever growing injustice that is taking place everyday in Minority Communities around the county while everyone just sits around idly not doing anything to change it. I highly recommend this movie to anyone, but especially blacks and hispanics, so that you can see how easily it could be you or someone that you love going through a similar situation. This movie makes you wanna get up and start a march or just want to do more to change the unfair practices used against Blacks and other minorities in the "so-called" name of JUSTICE. We need to all come together to make a change. This is how moved the movie made me. By the way, mandatory maximums and minimums should be abolished! Well, I hope you check out the movie which has an awesome cast of actors to highlight a heavy issue.
Roger Guenveur Smith, Monica Calhoun, Anna Maria Horsford excellent Job..
Roger Guenveur Smith, Monica Calhoun, Anna Maria Horsford excellent Job..
The ending could have been different or better.
grumble91121 July 2005
I have seen this movie and I enjoyed it very much. However I do feel that the ending could have been much better. It sort of left you wondering...is there anything more? I think the ending could have been a little better than that. Above all I feel that Roger Smith as an excellent outstanding actor and he truly does play his part and then some. I would recommend this movie to others to view. I am also a big fan of Roger G. Smith and I also enjoy watching him in some of the films of his early career days. I watched him in A Huey P. Newton Story which I also give a 10+. Very. very, very good character to resemble. Why have I not noticed him before? After looking through his filmography...I had not realized how many movies that he appeared in. I had to go back into my video library and dig them out to review over again. Dam he's fine. Keep up the good work Roger. You Rock Sweetie!!!!
This is a must see for law school students!
rodlespass16 July 2005
A 10 for educational value, a 9 because of production value. The fact that it's not big budget doesn't discount the message, assuming you're willing to be educated.
"Justice" is about institutional racism in law enforcement & our judicial systems. After having the law school experience I was made acutely aware that a level of judicial & police racism still exists in 2005. It's not just political rhetoric. I'm sure if the "majority population" was willing to consume these types of movies, the budget would have been greater. Yet, that shouldn't matter if you're seeking to expand your understanding about the criminal procedure, and to understand why African Americans begin their analysis of criminal proceedings with skepticism concerning the racial motivations of the people in charge. It makes you aware why we have such a disconnect between blacks and whites in sensationalized trial outcomes.
Unfortunately - due it its narrow distribution, the folks that really need to see "Justice" (those in mainstream media, decision-makers, the guy next door, & leaders in the national debate on racism) probably won't see the film. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is still the preeminent "white" Law School Film Society Event being shown law students, which mistakenly imparts to students the subtle message that racism in law is a thing of the past! Even if these people mentioned do see the film, it will probably take more than this one film to "bring home" to them the continuing campaign to incarcerate African Americans (or at the very least burden them w/less civil rights by convicting them of felonies). After all, it's not the only film to highlight this subject.
As I viewed the film, everything I learned in law school about our racially-biased criminal justice system quickly unfolded before my eyes! For example: the deep rooted racially biased practices in the plea bargaining and DA's charging systems, unfair police procedure, judicial rulings, etc., are all portrayed in simple fashion for the viewer. It doesn't address why this occurs, nor does it delve into whether the "bad actors" are intentionally engaging in such practices or just going along w/the system to blend in/survive. But it shows that it still exists...and it shouldn't really matter why.
Roger Smith gave a convincing performance in the lead role as a criminal defense attorney helping African American defendants against the oppressive weight of the government. The film shows how our officials shamelessly dismiss/trample on defendant's rights in order to achieve calendar and resource efficiency, or promote their own hatred. The film shows the uphill battle of the lead character who was committed to change the system in his own way for the better of all people.
I applaud the producers of this film for making it. I wish American audiences more often could be exposed to the injustices depicted. It could help the majority class understand people of color, and maybe stand as a motivator to make changes instead of patently dismissing the fact that racism is still practiced today.
A "must see" for anyone seeking a position in the public defender's office. Bravo Black Starz!! Loved it! I've been thinking about this film all day.
"Justice" is about institutional racism in law enforcement & our judicial systems. After having the law school experience I was made acutely aware that a level of judicial & police racism still exists in 2005. It's not just political rhetoric. I'm sure if the "majority population" was willing to consume these types of movies, the budget would have been greater. Yet, that shouldn't matter if you're seeking to expand your understanding about the criminal procedure, and to understand why African Americans begin their analysis of criminal proceedings with skepticism concerning the racial motivations of the people in charge. It makes you aware why we have such a disconnect between blacks and whites in sensationalized trial outcomes.
Unfortunately - due it its narrow distribution, the folks that really need to see "Justice" (those in mainstream media, decision-makers, the guy next door, & leaders in the national debate on racism) probably won't see the film. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is still the preeminent "white" Law School Film Society Event being shown law students, which mistakenly imparts to students the subtle message that racism in law is a thing of the past! Even if these people mentioned do see the film, it will probably take more than this one film to "bring home" to them the continuing campaign to incarcerate African Americans (or at the very least burden them w/less civil rights by convicting them of felonies). After all, it's not the only film to highlight this subject.
As I viewed the film, everything I learned in law school about our racially-biased criminal justice system quickly unfolded before my eyes! For example: the deep rooted racially biased practices in the plea bargaining and DA's charging systems, unfair police procedure, judicial rulings, etc., are all portrayed in simple fashion for the viewer. It doesn't address why this occurs, nor does it delve into whether the "bad actors" are intentionally engaging in such practices or just going along w/the system to blend in/survive. But it shows that it still exists...and it shouldn't really matter why.
Roger Smith gave a convincing performance in the lead role as a criminal defense attorney helping African American defendants against the oppressive weight of the government. The film shows how our officials shamelessly dismiss/trample on defendant's rights in order to achieve calendar and resource efficiency, or promote their own hatred. The film shows the uphill battle of the lead character who was committed to change the system in his own way for the better of all people.
I applaud the producers of this film for making it. I wish American audiences more often could be exposed to the injustices depicted. It could help the majority class understand people of color, and maybe stand as a motivator to make changes instead of patently dismissing the fact that racism is still practiced today.
A "must see" for anyone seeking a position in the public defender's office. Bravo Black Starz!! Loved it! I've been thinking about this film all day.
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