1 Pacino is perfect.
This movie is one of many of my favorite Al Pacino films. As always Pacino's presence is captivating and you can't take your eyes off of him. I love the way the film can be funny one moment and dramatic the next because thats how life is. Change is a gaurentee no matter how many plans you make. I thought Pacino's work with his co-stars ( Lahti, Warden, Forsythe and Strasberg ) was terrific and the performances with the rest of the actors who played Pacino's friends and fellow attorneys was excellent, and of course the actors who played Pacino's clients. The scenes with Pacino and the homosexual criminal and the young man falsely arrested are just so real and affective. Everytime I watch this movie I feel good but more importantly 'I feel.' And as always most times than not when you watch a movie with Al Pacino in it your going to get more than you expected whether you like that or not, and I like that alot.
2 Pacino is the best of all time
This movie has both comedy and drama in it. Lee Strasberg was great, you could see he is a legend. This movie probably closed the 70's chapter for the great Al in great style.
3 Al Pacinio is GOD!
The movie over all was good. Nothing I would want to see again. But Al Pacino's part is amazing. His character is strong and crazy. (Something that is perfect for Pacino.) I would recamend this movie, just for Al pacino's preformance. NOt really for the story line.
4 Pacino shines in courtroom satire
Ever since watching the Godfather films I've been a huge Al Pacino fan. His amazing over-the-top performance in the courtroom scene at the end is what makes this unsympathetic look at our criminal justice system so memorable. However, I agree with other reviewers that the plot is slow at times & the movie wavers uncomfortably between comedy & drama. The humor is at times a little too forced & the disco music doesn't help. One of the things I really enjoyed was seeing the great Lee Strasberg play Pacino's grandfather. Remember Godfather Part 2 when Pacino had Strasberg "taken out"? I only wish they could've made more films together. The great cast also includes John Forsythe (who plays a TOTALLY unlikable villian), & Jack Warden, whose suicidal antics get annoying after a while. Of course, it's Pacino that makes this movie so entertaining & so watchable 25 years later. While it's no masterpiece I still highly recommend it to Al Pacino fans (& especially lawyers!).
5 "There's something funny goin' on..."
The title of Dave Grusin's theme song aptly sums up this movie: The music may sound cheesy at times, but remember this film was made in the late 70s. As stated in his commentary, Jewison wanted a cheesy psuedo-disco to reflect the satrical nature of the film.
The origins of Al Pacino's over the top acting style has to be traced to this film, especially in the court room scene. Another great line in his speech has to be "The DA is not going to get him,
I'M GOING TO GET HIM!!" At times, the movie doesn't know if it wants to be a pure comedy or pure drama, but there are enough great moments that make this film an enjoyable experience.
6 it didn't really work for me
i really do like Al Pacino, and this film has great satire on our country's leagal system, but i found the movie to be rather slow. the script almost seemed incohesive at times: at one moment, he is telling a woman of his frustration with the legal system, then he is taking a dangerous helicopter ride with a judge and then he is defending a drag queen who had last been seen at the very beginning of the movie. i also enjoy watching Jack Warden act, but his character in this movie did not seem real or natural at all.
the DVD doesn't have too many whistles or bells, but there is a director commentary, so that scores some points.
i did not enjoy this movie, but if you are a diehard Pacino fanatic and want to see everything he has done, go ahead and watch it.
7 I Swear I Wasn't Drunk When I Watched This . . And loved it.
A farce? A comedy? No! Heck no?! I thought this was a great movie and I am connected to the legal world, and in the worst way too! Okay, I'm going to have to watch this one again, it's been a while, but I've always loved it and have no recollection of thinking it was dumb or "out there". The over-worked and underpaid criminal defense attorney always gets me. Yup, that is reality. Clients fall through the cracks, judges can be control freaks with their own agendas, who often times have horrible "I am God" issues, under those respectable looking robes. Plus I love the eighties feel (wow, or should I make that seventies?) of the movie. I liked the attorney going nuts, and the Chinese food date, and the men's bathroom laughing. I'm not a very big Al Pacino fan, I like this and Author! Author!, I guess I have terrible taste! I do think this perhaps simplistic and romantic and oft times over-dramatic view of the legal system is a good watch for a Saturday afternoon, when the weather's kinda rotten or you're still recovering from Friday's docket of indigent and yet still demanding clients, and a bit too much happy at happy hour.
8 Great Al Pacino film..
This film is a must-see for die-hard Pacino fans and should-see for fans interested in viewing an enjoyable film with a statement that remains timely over time.
'And Justice For All' is nearing one-quarter of a century in age and while Pacino has matured as an actor, his role in this film definitely deserved the nominations for the Oscar and Golden Globe that it garnered. The closing courtroom scene provided a very strong glimpse and more than a hint of the brilliance to come in Pacino's superior acting ability, as well as a striking and disturbing statement on the justice system. As billed this was a satire on the world of the courts and while not your normal courtroom film, it contained a revealing and bleak message. Reviewers who have indicated the incidents in this film were not realistic have much to learn about the inner workings of justice. This was a dire, but accurate depiction of the inner workings of courthouses all over the land.
The cast was filled with an unbelievable array of actors, both new and seasoned, and famous and not-so-famous. The big-screen debut of Christian Lahti (Gail Packer)was not her best role and not necessarily the best co-star for Pacino; her performance was however adequate. Jack Warden (Judge Rayford) was comfortable and effective as a gruff old judge with a simultaneous death wish and a zeal for life. Jeffery Tambor (Jay Porter) gave a compelling performance as Pacino's partner pushed to a mental breaking point by the unfortunate outcome of a case where as an attorney Porter did what an attorney is paid to do. The late Robert Christian's (Ralph Agee) performance as a cross-dressing client was perhaps one of the best in the film; heartbreaking and very real. John Forsythe (Judge Henry Fleming), post 'Charlie's Angels' and 'Bachelor Father', but pre-'Dynasty' was smug and hard-nosed as both Pacino's courthouse adversary and deviant client. Craig T. Nelson (Frank Bowers), perhaps best known as Coach Hayden Fox, early in his career in this film was the DA Pacino meets in court in the final trial. Larry Bryggman (Warren Fresnell), probably recognized most as Dr. John Dixon of 'As The World Turns', but also a Shakespearean actor, has an important role as a less dedicated and passionate fellow attorney. Lee Stasberg (Sam Kirkland), famed drama coach to Pacino and so many other great actors, in his final role portrayed Pacino's grandfather in quite a touching and personal manner. Even Keith Andes (Marvin Bates), star of numerous movies in the 1950s, appeared. Many other actors appeared in the courthouses and jails of the film, fleshing out the multiple side stories that served to illustrate the injustices of justice.
The commentary by Norman Jewison was created from 22-year old memories, but you have to give them credit for providing it, as many of DVDs of older films just skip commentaries or any special features. The public now looks forward to this personal insider-information about the making of our favorite films, and this one doesn't disappoint given the limitations of time and distance.
This films displays the dynamic acting range of Pacino. While somewhat more low-key in some instances than in many of his later roles, Pacino appears comfortable in his portrayal of a caring, deeply passionate attorney and more than rises to the occasion when that passion is called upon to be displayed. He handles the humorous side of his role with ease. Pacino's appearance on David Letterman prior to the recent release of 'Simone' revealed his personal sense of humor and ability to be a very, very funny man. That innate comedic timing was visible in the role of Attorney Arthur Kirkland.
"And Justice For All' uncovers the many broken spokes in the wheels of justice, entertains with humor and pathos, and leaves you with an true understanding of many of the inconsistencies and frustrating bureaucratic quagmires of the legal system that still exist nearly 25 years later.
This was a film ahead of its time in regard to its message, and it gave us: Pacino on the edge of greatness; satire at its best; and entertainment that continues to prevail. Don't let lukewarm reviews of this solid offering deter you from seeing it; this is a film not to be missed.
9 by Marilyn Monroe
I just saw this movie on tcm last night and I laughed my head off! It is really amazing how popular this movie was in 1979, did you know that Al Pacino turned downed Kramer vs Kramer for this role? A great video and a great era it was made in!!!!
10 Your out of order!
Good movie, classic Pacino, not his best work but still a good movie.
11 Tips The Scales Of Justice
Norman Jewison's 1979 ...AND JUSTICE FOR ALL is a satirical drama that looks at our judicial system. Lawyer Arthur Kirkland (Al Pacino)is put under considerable pressure to defend a well liked judge (John Forsythe), against charges of beating and raping a young girl. The only problem is that Arthur knows he's guilty and doesn't want to defend him. The final courtroom scene in the film will leave you with quite an impression. There is also a wonderful performance from the legendary Lee Strasberg as Arthur's Grandfather. Character actor Jack Warden plays an eccentric judge, who thinks suicide is the only answer. The script is filled with a lot of good moments. It was written by Valerie Curtain and future RAINMAN director, Barry Levinson. Jewison gets Oscar an nominated performance from Pacino that is tops and is among his most notable.
The DVD has an o.k. audio commentary from the director and a few trailers as extras. This film is a must have for fans of Pacino. This is not your typical courtroom movie and will leave you with lots to think about. Viewers have the choice to see the film in either the widescreen or pan and scan formats. Recommended
12 You can never go wrong with Al
Let me start by saying that over the last two years Ive become an admirer of Al Pacino. His acting is sincere, his voice and accent unique, and over all, hes just one of a kind. Theres nobody like him. After CARLITOS WAY, HEAT, THE DEVILS ADVOCATE and THE INSIDER, this is the fourth movie of his Ive viewed, and I can honestly say that though this Pacino might be less mature he is as strong and believable as his more ripe self is today. Buying this movie know that you are guaranteed one more great performance by good-old reliable Al. But...
...but dont expect (as I did) a great trial show filled with long trails of legal battles and passionate speeches. We all love trial dramas, great arguments, and brilliant lawyer talk, but that is missing in this plot. We get a slight taste of that in the end, but you get the feeling that just wasnt enough, it was too short and you wanted just a little bit more.
So, the plot has structure but lacks a more basic momentous climax that would transform this work into something more memorable. Nevertheless, and to say this simply, I enjoyed this movie. Seeing Al Pacino whimpering, with a fear of hights, in the helicopter of a mad suicidle judge...well, its a funny scene to say the least. This 70s movie, lasting more than 100 minutes has many good scenes, and...did I mention(?), has as central issue the...injustices of the American Justice system, and it makes its point well.
13 One Of The True Greats
This is a superb flick attacking the insanity of our justice system. Complex, compelling and provocative. Great acting all around, excellent script. Forsyth is great as the evil Judge. Pacino's big speech at the end is worth the price of admission. A must see! A+
14 Flawed but fascinating indictment of the justice sysyem
...
Pacino is "Arthur Kirkland"a principled young attorney and the somewhat rambling and unfocussed narrative tells of his trials and tribulations as he makes his way through the system in Baltimore.These include a judge with a death wish,(Jack Warden--proficient as ever)who sees Pacino as a protege and whose penchent for dicing with death on helicopter flights produces one of the best scenes in the picture,a partner (Jeffrey Tambor)who is plagued by guilt at having gotten a murderer off on a technicality,an affair with a member of the ethics committee,
(
As a sideline I should note that legal ethics ,like rap music ,is surely an oxymoron)
He is blackmailed into defending a reactionary judge(John Forsthye)on a rape charge and this is the pivotal plot strand in a movie that ultimately tries to cram too much into its 114 minute running time giving the picture a slightly rambling feel
The performances are excellent,especailly a fired up Pacino,and there is a neat turn by Lee Strasberg as his fading Grandfather.
The major fault is one of over ambition but it is a fault on the right side
Good and true in its depiction of law as a game or charade in which politics and corruption ally with your economic status in determining if you will be stiffed or walk free
Fish rot from the head down
So too does the legal profession if this tart movie is to be believed
Provocative and provoking .Give it a try
15 An Interesting Satire with Surprises (4 1/2 stars)
No, this movie isn't a comedy, it's more of a drama. However, this movie can be viewed as a satire of the judicial system, and how lawyers really think and act. This is a clever film that doesn't fail to disappoint.
Al Pacino plays, Arthur, a loyal and honest lawyer who starts to question the values and morals of the judicial system. Along the way, an ill-tempered judge who hates everything about Arthur is charged with sexually assaulting a young woman. Although Arthur knows the man is guilty, he knows that if he does not represent the judge, he'll be debarred. This movie is not about the complete trial; it's about events and situations which lead up to the first day of court, and the outcome is explosive.
This is a great movie with unbelievable talent. Jack Warden does a tremendous job as playing an alcoholic and suicidal judge who fires his gun in the courtroom to get everyone's attention. Pacino does not disappoint at all, and fills the movie with passion in his acting. Although this movie isn't really a comedy, I view it as a satire of the judicial system. Since the movie is old, there aren't too many extras on the DVD, but the movie alone is worth the price!
I was pleasantly surprised by this great classic. The movie is filled with unforgettable characters and moments which lead to the explosive ending. If you love Pacino, then you should see this movie as soon as you can. All in all, I felt that this was a great movie, and is worth watching over and over again.
16 five stars for content....
Unfortunately, Amazon does not allow us the opportunity to seperately rate the visual and audio quality of a DVD. Sadly, it seems, a good print of this moive was not preserved. It certainly looks and sounds its age. In spite of that, it is a classic movie, and, at least you can now own an indestructible copy.
17 Pacino's Justice is delivered in this film With a Vengence!
Al Pacino in a Acadmey Award nominated performence is an idealistic lawyer who is caught up in the daily coruption of the justice system while defending a judge accused of [harasment]. This film spreads out alot during it's course from being a satire to sentimentality giving Pacino alot of emotion to lash out especally during the trial scene when he goes bersek and instead of defending his client who he knows is guilty ends up during the reverse and proscute him. With Pacino screaming out the words to the judge "Your out of order". Pacino's exhublent performence as the overworked stressed out lawyer is the main reason to see this film.
18 And Justice for Al
This film is trying to make a statement about the American Judicial system. As far as political satires goes it is weak. Al Pacino plays a lawyer who loves being a lawyer until he witnesses a series of injustices that makes him question the law and the ethics of it. Then he is asked to defend a man he knows is guilty and he struggles with what to do. Yawn, Yawn, Yawn. This movie starts out interesting but fizzles. Pacino gives his usual inspired performance(he received an Oscar nomination), but this time in an uninspired film. He is reduced to being a witness of a bad film he cannot save.
19 And Justice For All?
This movie is an excellent satire on the American Judical system. And even though many things that happen in the movie, may not happen exactly that way in real life. Such as, some of the legal dilemma's and the overlaping coinsidences, however in real life there are outlandish legal dilemma's. In this, the movie was right on target. Also the fact that the film uses lighthearted humor in the midst of very serious issues. Which is precisely why this film is as great as it is. And of course as always Al Pacino was outstanding.
20 Courtroom Insanity, Dealmaking , As Only Pacino Can Deliver
Al Pacino's eight minute grandstand that concludes And Jusice For All is one of the actor's most emotional and powerful performances ever captured on film. Pacino's tirade against a corrupt judicial system filled with inside deals is a representative statement for the underpriviledged and middle class who often do not have the financial resources or the political connections to achieve false innocence. When watching Pacino's oratory expose, I felt energized, empowered, and exalted that the underside of our legal system was revealed. It did not matter if the film's technical accuracy to proper courtroom and legal protocol was not strictly adhered to. The film's societal message of a dual system of justice, one for the rich and one for the poor, over-rides any cinimatic deficiencies in portraying accurate court procedings. The film focuses not on what transpires before clients,lawyers,judges, and the jury in an overt courtroom, but rather what occurs behind closed doors. Pacino's frustation, anger, and, salvation burn through his closing courtroom salvo. His emotions are sensitized when tears emerge during his fiery outburst. Pacino has never been better. Only Pacino's similar climatic defense of Matt Damon in Scent of A Women matches the intensity of this performance. The film's camera work, editing, script, and direction may not be cinematic wonders. But the film's message and Pacino's emotional performance overwhelm the viewer. The film's ending shows that justice (Hollywood's concept anyway) is indiscriminate.
21 A fairy tale depiction of the legal system
Anyone connected with or even remotely familiar with the legal system in this country can tell you scenes like the ones depicted in this film just don't happen. There's a decent acting performance by Pacino, but it's not one of his better ones. The entire screenplay is just a bogus fantasy, the worst one made since the Three Stooges short "Disorder In The Court".
22 Pacino's brilliance saves this film!
Yes...the story is fragmented, not cohesive, and generally unsure as a comedy, tragedy or satire. SOOOOOOO What!!! Do not miss Pacino in this one..he is amazing. He gets mad at the judicial system for all of us and gets even too. Some of the dialogue cuts to the bone. There are moments of greatness and those of mediocrity but finally and forever there is Al Pacino, an acting legend in his own time!
23 ONE OF AL PACINO'S MOST OVERLOOKED OF ALL FILMS
When people think Pacino they think Scarface and the Godfather and maybe even Scent of a woman but never do they think .....And Justice For All. I happen to believe its one of Al's top 5 best films. The acting and direction both really move like lightning and you can here one of the most famous lines in a court room ever. YOUR OUT OF ORDER, THIER OUT OF ORDER, THIS WHOLE DAMN COURTS OUT OF ORDER! See it. this MOVIE ROCKS!!!!!!!
