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The Judge (2014)

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Big-city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his father, the town's judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.

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(screenplay), (screenplay) | 2 more credits »
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900 ( 45)
Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 8 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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C.P. Kennedy
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Judge Warren
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Lauren Palmer
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Deputy Hanson
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Mike Kattan
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Mrs. Blackwell
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Lisa Palmer
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Storyline

Hank Palmer is a successful defense attorney in Chicago, who is getting a divorce. When His brother calls with the news that their mother has died, Hank returns to his childhood home to attend the funeral. Despite the brittle bond between Hank and the Judge, Hank must come to his father's aid and defend him in court. Here, Hank discovers the truth behind the case, which binds together the dysfunctional family and reveals the struggles and secrecy of the family. Written by Warren D'Souza

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Defend your Honor.

Genres:

Crime | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language including some sexual references | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

| |  »

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

10 October 2014 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Der Richter - Recht oder Ehre  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$13,116,226 (USA) (10 October 2014)

Gross:

$47,105,085 (USA) (9 January 2015)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

| |

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

A juror tells a joke about Willie Nelson, whose version of "The Scientist" plays during the end credits. See more »

Goofs

When Hank comes out on the porch and eventually joins the Judge in having some bourbon, there is initially only one glass on the table (the Judge's). Suddenly, Hank has a plastic glass in his hand that he fills. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Mike Kattan: [stomping into the mens room] You're not getting away with this. Palmer, you asshole!... Hey!
Hank Palmer: [turning toward him getting him wet] Yeah. Oops.
See more »

Connections

References The Godfather (1972) See more »

Soundtracks

Part 3
From Iris (2001)
Written by James Horner
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Prodigal or survivor?
10 September 2014 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

What happens when you go back to that small town that was home? Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.) reluctantly goes back home to honor his mother at her death and faces the battles that he strategically retreated from when he went to college. This film takes an unmitigated look at Midwestern family life from the point of view of the returning son. Prodigal or survivor?

The disputes and other scenes of life are realistically represented with Hank facing his father, Joseph, and the rest of the town the way every battle-hardened small-town returnee would love to do. The strong disputes and unflinching negotiations that Hank and Joseph go through lead to an imperfect peace.

Robert Duvall does a superb job of portraying Hank's father. Where others would let Hank soften under his father's pressure and training, Robert Downey Jr. keeps Hank strong and sharp. In his best role yet, Robert Downey Jr. shows us that he has matured into one of the solid actors working today. You will see them both at the Oscars.

The Judge is one of those rare films that tell a strong story without selling out to the usual Hollywood exaggerations. I saw this movie at TIFF through the eyes of a small-town daughter who made her break to the city to get out from under the strong influence of her father. This film evoked the strong emotions that I keep buried.

Thank you Robert Duvall, Robert Downey Jr., and every individual involved for giving a voice to people like me! Thank you Robert Downey Jr. for keeping Hank strong with a good heart.

The Judge will prove to be a classic. See it! You will be glad you did.


178 of 241 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

Message Boards

Recent Posts
Totally overrated. Nothing really happens. Boring lgalnares
the spinning chair scene at the end... Ali-Sommane
Kinda felt like a comedy..? hysterryes
am i the only one that's noticing ppl on here datgurlsam
Too little Robert Downey Jr and Vera Farmiga's scene! ahling_2809
Am I the only one that noticed jew_59
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