The Attorney

The Attorney from 2013 is a robust Korean legal drama that resonates with its audience through a powerful story and riveting performances. The movie is set in Busan, South Korea during the 1980s, in a politically turbulent time when the military held control over the government.

The film centers around Song Woo-Seok, magnificently played by the talented Song Kang-ho, who captures the character's transformation beautifully, from his humble beginnings to becoming a successful tax attorney. Woo-Seok is a simple man who came to Busan in search of a better life. Despite his lack of a formal college education, he manages to pass the bar exam and starts practicing as a tax attorney. Unlike many lawyers, he is one of the rare sorts who truly embodies the defense of his clients' rights.

Woo-Seok enjoys the success he achieves, but he is often looked down upon by his colleagues and peers due to his lack of dedication to civil rights and social issues. He starts to realize the gravity of this when he is confronted by Jin-Woo, a restaurant employee who asks him for help. The turning point in Woo-Seok's life, and indeed the movie, comes when Jin-Woo is wrongly accused of a crime as part of a politically motivated scheme by the government. Sustained by actor Kwang Soo Cha, Jin-Woo is the symbol of the common man unwittingly caught against a machine much bigger than him – a repressive government regime.

The rest of the film showcases Woo-Seok's struggle to fight against an unjust and authoritarian system. Kwak Do-won, who plays the malicious prosecutor Hong Jae-Ho, adds complexity to the movie's narrative with his ruthless tactics to suppress those who stand against the administration.

The film forcefully works to expose the disturbing reality of the time as it dips into the darkest part of South Korea's history. Moreover, the movie borrows its storyline from actual events and bloodshed of the period.

Song Kang-ho, widely known for his eye-catching roles in movies like Parasite, delivers another stellar performance as the leading character. His transformation from a self-centered attorney who strove to distance himself from political issues to the fearless lawyer who risks everything for justice is compelling. Equally commendable is the portrayal of supporting characters, who add depth and intensity to the story.

The movie's narrative is compelling and touching, as it showcases distinct characters who grapple with life's harsh realities. The film is truly provocative, immersing the viewer in the disparity between those in power and those who were powerless, inviting the audience to question the injustices around them.

The cinematography of the film is sharp and sleek, and it captures Busan's beauty that resides seamlessly with the film's dark subject matter. The screenplay is smart, with the director, Yang Woo-suk effectively using humor and heartfelt moments to counterbalance the intensity of its topic. All of this is supported by a powerful and tense score that underscores the various moods and sequences in the movie.

The Attorney is more than just a legal drama. It's a narrative that speaks volumes about the struggle for justice during oppressive times. It is a stirring story that resonally and personally touches on the themes of human rights, democracy, and the depth of the human spirit. The movie invigorates the audience while making them reflect on the essence of justice and the lengths to which one man will go to uphold it.

Not just a must-watch for those interested in historical and political themes, this movie is also for anyone seeking a gripping narrative and exemplary acting performances. The Attorney is a testimony to Korean Cinema's potential to transcend the silver screen and touch upon deeply ingrained social and political issues artistically and meaningfully.