Justicia para todos

This is exactly the kind of movie I like. It pits laws and people who must abide by them against each other. It throws them into unimaginable, yet very real situations where you don't want to believe that something like this could happen. Al Pacino is amazing in the role of perhaps the only fair lawyer in existence, who is forced to be part of the whole machine. His presentation of the closing argument is an indelible experience and a definite highlight of the movie. (06.06.2008)

The 70s were a period of moral unrest in America when even cinema underwent significant changes. Unlike previous decades dominated by big epic films like Cleopatra, serious social dramas came to the forefront and the phenomenon of independent film emerged. Jewison's film tells the story of a young idealistic lawyer who is frustrated by the bureaucracy and corruption of the judicial system, and the impossibility of effectively achieving justice, especially if one does not belong to the social elite. I can't help but agree with its message, but I feel that it is a bit too activist and straightforward for my taste. It doesn't try to lead the viewer to understanding but presents them with ready-made truths. On one hand, there is personified nobility, on the other hand, clearly identifiable absolute evil. The characters are simply too black and white, leaving no room for the viewer. Overall impression: 75%. Standing out from the cast is, of course, Al Pacino, who portrayed his character Arthur with passionate zeal. (27.09.2016)

It almost feels as if Americans were using courtroom movies to try and prove that they’re all such good actors. I used to view courtroom movies as something that’s never appealed to me, and I didn’t expect it to ever speak to me in any way. But over time, I got to see good movies and great acting and suddenly, I don’t expect anything other than that from this genre. And if you look at the cast of this movie, you will see that the lead role is played by Al Pacino – and he usually doesn’t deliver bad performances. However, the entire movie looks like solid three stars with a few pleasant scenes, but as soon as the closing speech comes, it becomes crystal-clear four. (08.07.2014)

Court dramas usually leave me underwhelmed, and Al Pacino’s choice of roles are not generally my cup of tea, either, but …And Justice for All really got me. Briskly shot, fantastically written, entertaining and thought provoking. A lot of intense moments and a perfect climax. (07.07.2011)

Timeless and great source material, which had the misfortune of being produced during the unlikable period of the 70s and 80s. I can't shake the feeling that the slight tragedy and repeatedly hinted futility of effort and hopelessness of the judicial system would have stood out much better in a different era. Without the peculiar hairstyles or a soundtrack that in no way fits the events on screen. And it's a huge shame, because Al Pacino has, as usual, immersed himself in the story with full dedication, and I marvel at his perfect performance in the helicopter and I'm blown away by every monologue, especially the captivating final speech, which is one of his career highlights. That's why I'm so disappointed that the script unconditionally delves into its moralistic part in the second half and loudly criticizes American justice. With a bit more believability, it could have reached much higher. (29.09.2008)