“12 Angry Men”, 1956
Director: Sidney Lumet
Set almost entirely in a jury deliberation room, this film examines the jury process in a murder case, highlighting the complexities of human nature, prejudice, and the concept of reasonable doubt.
Starring: Henry Fonda, Martin Balsam, Lee J. Cobb, Joseph Sweeney, Ed Begley, George Voskovec, John Fiedler, E.G. Marshall, Jack Klugman, Ed Binns;
Production year: 1956;
Genre: drama, detective, crime;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 9;
More information about the film “12 Angry Men” on the website imdb.com
“A Few Good Men”, 1992
Director: Rob Reiner
A military lawyer defends Marines accused of murder, who contend they were acting under orders. It's famous for its intense courtroom confrontations and the ethical dilemmas of military obedience.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, Kevin Pollak, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, James Marshall, Wolfgang Bodison, J.T. Walsh, J.A. Preston;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 138 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “A Few Good Men” on the website imdb.com
“Erin Brockovich”, 2000
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Based on a true story, this film follows a legal assistant without formal legal education, who brings a significant environmental case against a California power company, showcasing the impact of determined legal advocacy.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart, Peter Coyote, Cherry Jones, Tracey Walter, Conchata Ferrell, Marg Helgenberger, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Erin Brockovich” on the website imdb.com
“The Verdict”, 1982
Director: Sidney Lumet
A washed-up lawyer takes on a medical malpractice case to restore his reputation, only to find redemption and personal transformation. It's a story of one man's quest for justice and redemption.
Starring: Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, James Mason, Milo O'Shea, Lindsay Crouse, Ed Binns, Julie Bovasso, Roxanne Hart, James Handy;
Production year: 1982;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Verdict” on the website imdb.com
“Philadelphia”, 1993
Director: Jonathan Demme
This film deals with themes of AIDS, homosexuality, and wrongful dismissal as an attorney with AIDS fights his dismissal by a conservative law firm. It's one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to acknowledge HIV/AIDS, homosexuality, and homophobia.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Antonio Banderas, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Joanne Woodward, Charles Napier, Robert Ridgely, Bradley Whitford, Ron Vawter;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Philadelphia” on the website imdb.com
“My Cousin Vinny”, 1992
Director: Jonathan Lynn
A comedy-drama about an inexperienced lawyer trying to free his cousin and friend from a wrongful theft charge in Alabama. It's celebrated for its accurate portrayal of court procedures and the comedic performance of Joe Pesci.
Starring: Joe Pesci, Ralph Macchio, Marisa Tomei, Mitchell Whitfield, Fred Gwynne, Lane Smith, Austin Pendleton, Bruce McGill, Maury Chaykin, Paulene Myers;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “My Cousin Vinny” on the website imdb.com
“Legally Blonde”, 2001
Director: Robert Luketic
This comedy follows Elle Woods as she enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, only to discover her knack for law and self-empowerment. It's a light-hearted take on stereotypes and the legal profession.
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge, Holland Taylor, Ali Larter, Jessica Cauffiel, Alanna Ubach;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Legally Blonde” on the website imdb.com
“Michael Clayton”, 2007
Director: Tony Gilroy
A legal thriller about a “fixer” for a prestigious New York law firm who finds himself embroiled in a multi-million dollar lawsuit that tests his morals and legal ethic.
Starring: George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Sydney Pollack, Michael O'Keefe, Robert Prescott, Terry Serpico, Merritt Wever, Denis O'Hare, Julie White;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Michael Clayton” on the website imdb.com
“The Lincoln Lawyer”, 2011
Director: Brad Furman
A slick defense attorney operates out of the back of his Lincoln Continental. The film dives into the twisted case that tests his skills and ethics to their limits.
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Michael Peña, Bob Gunton, Frances Fisher, Bryan Cranston;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: crime, thriller, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Lincoln Lawyer” on the website imdb.com
These films represent a broad spectrum of stories within the realm of law, highlighting not just the legal process but the human element at its core, reflecting society's quest for justice and morality.
In conclusion, films about law not only captivate audiences with their compelling narratives and dramatic courtroom showdowns; they also offer deep insights into the complexities of the legal system and the moral quandaries that those within it must navigate. From the legendary battles of “To Kill a Mockingbird” to the thought-provoking dilemmas presented in “A Few Good Men,” these films shine a light on the intricacies of justice and the human condition. They underscore the perennial struggle for fairness, challenge our perceptions of truth and righteousness, and arguably serve a didactic role by illustrating the consequences when the scales of justice tip out of balance. As windows into the maturation of legal practice and its practitioners, films about law entertain and educate in equal measure, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of society.
