Starring: Colin Firth, Ian Holm, Donald Pleasence, Amina Annabi, Nicol Williamson Directed By: Leslie Megahey Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Binding: DVD Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC Label: Miramax Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: July 01, 2003 Running Time: 102 minutes Theatrical Release Date: August 24, 1994
Description: Screen favorites Colin Firth (WHAT A GIRL WANTS, BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY) and Ian Holm (THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy, FROM HELL) star in THE ADVOCATE -- one of Hollywood's most controversial films in years and described by many as provocative, sexy, and fascinating. A courtroom thriller with a passionate edge, it's the story of a dynamic young lawyer (Firth) whose quest for the simple life leads him to a law position in a small rural town. What he finds instead is a disturbing case of murder, seduction, and corruption -- a case that reveals the mystery beneath the village's quiet facade. Yet as he searches for answers, he finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue and betrayal. Don't miss this sexy thriller -- a dark story about the many sides of truth, and passion's deadly price!
Amazon.com: The Advocate is an intriguing medieval court drama set in the days when humans and animals were both known to contain the devil. Courtois, an educated lawyer (Colin Firth), leaves the big city to find peace in the countryside but finds murderous acts holding the small hamlet in fear. To the town folk, Courtois's intelligence is nearly as mysterious as witchcraft, which is all the talk of the day. Since we rarely see a movie set in this time period, it intrigues but doesn't teach beyond its initial premise: animals can go on trial. The film is supported by some wonderful character actors, including Ian Holm as a priest with very liberal views and Nicol Williamson as the unofficial king. Lots of naughtiness mostly played for laughs makes this the first thinking person's ribald classic. --Doug Thomas
no laughing please The gritty story of a pig's search for justice, OK, maybe I'm being a little harsh. It is gritty, as in everybody needs a bath, and there is a pig. I found myself laughing, I'm sure the filmmaker did not intend to make a comedy. I admit I'd probably be glad to watch Colin Firth twiddle his thumbs but this movie is a stretch. I love Ian Holm and he was a pleasure here. After I decided the movie was a spoof I enjoyed it more. (I don't think it was a spoof) Maybe the Middle Ages were just too absurd and depressing for a 21st Century girl. Oh well, you might like the movie go out and rent it. (Ah, is the 21st Century absurd and depressing?)
unusual I am a huge fan of Colin Firth...that is why I bought this DVD. I wasn't entirely thrilled with the plot of this movie. I did find it humorous and very unusual, but, his acting was,of course, fabulous. I would recommend this film to anyone who is simply smitten with Colin.
Great movie - very funny I got a shock when this arrived because the cover seemed to indicate that it was some sort of deviant sex tape, not at all what I was expecting from the UK reviews I'd read. Thankfully the reviews were right and the movie was excellent - presumably the cover had been 'sexed-up' for the American market. A fantastic little movie, very funny, well acted, beautifully satirical and thoroughly recommended. Colin Firth is a delight, as always.
Would I recommend? Hmmm... This really is a quirky movie with a lot of humorous moments. It is unclean in the most literal sense-everyone could use a bath. Colin Firth and Donald Pleasence perform well, as do others. However, I am still completely stumped as to what the big surprise is. We the viewers are implored to keep it a secret, but I have no idea what the spoiler is, and I watched it twice! I am usually not so dull to details, but this one escapes me.
A mixed product saved by Firth, Holmes, and Pleasence This is a very uneven film, to say the least. I would like to discuss the storyline/plot; the humor; then the film making and editing; and finally the actors.
First, this is the story of a dark time in human history where theocracy and fear of witchcraft ruled the minds of common people while wealth was concentrated in the hands of a few. It was a time of anti-semitism; torture; poverty; plague; and injustice. Into this mix comes a handsome young lawyer, played by Colin Firth, who defends witches and homicidal pigs. He falls in love with a Jewish beauty who seemed more gypsy than Jew. The story appeared to be written by a committee who could not decide if they were writing historic fiction, social commentary, or slapstick comedy. Dark humor prior to executions gave the film a odd sense.
Second, this film was poorly edited. Scenes were cut short and I felt constantly jerked around by amaturish film editing.
Third, the cast was actually superb even if the rest of the film was weak. Colin Firth never overplayed his part. For Colin Firth fans, he appears nude in several scenes. Ian Holmes was very good as a corrupt priest who advises Firth. Donald Pleasence wins the award for highly professional acting in a poorly developed story. Pleasence plays a aged lawyer who outsmarts and outmaneuvers Colin Firth in the courtroom.
Idiotic story with good acting - gets a 3 in my book.
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