Watch Roman J. Israel, Esq. [Ultra HD]
- 2018
- 122 hr
Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a legal drama movie about a socially inept but brilliant lawyer, Roman J. Israel, played by Denzel Washington. The film takes place in Los Angeles and follows Roman as he works for a small law firm that specializes in civil rights cases. However, when his partner, William "Mac" MacKenzie, suffers a heart attack, Roman is forced to take on more responsibility and navigate the complexities of the legal system on his own.
Colin Farrell plays George Pierce, a more experienced lawyer who works for a bigger law firm. Roman is initially hesitant to work with George, but eventually agrees to do so after George offers him a higher salary and a chance to work on bigger cases. As Roman starts working with George and his firm, he begins to re-evaluate his moral and ethical principles.
Throughout the movie, Roman struggles to reconcile his commitment to social justice with the reality of a legal system that often prioritizes winning over doing what is right. He is faced with difficult decisions when George asks him to break the law in order to secure a plea bargain and save a client from prison. The case forces Roman to confront his own beliefs and decide what kind of lawyer he wants to be.
The film is directed by Dan Gilroy, who also wrote the screenplay. Gilroy's previous film, Nightcrawler, was a critical success and he brings a similar style and tone to Roman J. Israel, Esq. The movie has a gritty and realistic feel, with handheld camerawork and natural lighting that enhances the feeling of authenticity.
Washington gives a standout performance in the lead role, bringing a nuanced and complex portrayal of a man who is both brilliant and deeply flawed. He imbues Roman with a sense of idealism and a commitment to justice that is inspiring, despite his quirks and social awkwardness. Farrell, meanwhile, is a solid supporting player, playing the more polished and charismatic George Pierce.
The film is not without its flaws, however. At times the pacing can feel slow, and some of the side characters are not fleshed out as much as they could be. Additionally, the movie's climax may feel somewhat anticlimactic to some viewers.
Overall, Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a well-crafted legal drama that explores important themes of justice, morality, and ethics. It is anchored by a powerful performance from Denzel Washington and features solid supporting work from Colin Farrell. Fans of Nightcrawler or legal dramas in general should find plenty to enjoy in this movie.