Al Pacino, Alan North, Christine Lahti

An idealistic defense lawyer is confronted with defending a powerful judge whom he suspects could be guilty of raping a young woman.

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77% liked it

3,362 ratings

Critics

94% liked it

18 critics

R, 1 hr. 59 min.

Directed by: Norman Jewison

Release Date: January 1, 1979

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DVD Release Date: January 16, 2001

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Stats: 478 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (478)


  • September 7, 2009
    This is a great film, often copyed from its still relatively unknown and very underrated. The acting is of the finest quality. Brilliant.
  • March 3, 2009
    Al Pacino (along with Robert DeNiro) was probably the greatest actor of the 1970's. Long before he became the yelling guy that found his start in Scarface and was awarded for his noise in Scent of a Woman, Pacino was an actor's actor. He ended his reign in the 1970's with ... And...( read more) Justice For All, a courtroom drama that wasn't a very stellar story but overcame its problems with great acting and direction.

    Arthur Kirkland (Pacino) is an idealistic defense attorney that tends to grate against the established legal hierarchy in Baltimore. He soon finds himself juggling two cases where the defendants don't really belong in jail, a suicidal judge (jack Warden), a girlfriend (Christine Lahti) who is investigating ethics issues in the courts, and the judge (John Forsythe) he hates who asks him to defend him in a rape trial. That's a ton of stuff to juggle and as the movie progresses Arthur becomes more and more disgusted by the way the law has turned into a car lot mentality. "Let's make a deal! Let's make a deal!"

    The story is just so-so. There are points that feel like pure manipulation and predictability is the standard. The thing about this film is that when you dissect it into its acting and directing you get more than what the total film really is. The acting from all levels is superb with that young Pacino leading the way. he was still a king in 1979. Jewison directs the film in a way that leaves room for comedy and a little bit of tension. He makes a bland story interesting.

    ... And Justice For All has been shafted for years as some of Pacino's lesser work, but when you look at it from a technical standpoint and forget about the many flaws of the script you see what a precision picture this film really is. A '70's classic that closed the decade with class.
  • July 23, 2008
    "I'm out of order!? You're out of order! This whole court is out of order!" Al Pacino, my man, no words.
  • January 19, 2008
    An electrifying and stunning court-room drama. Al Pacino give a brilliant and extroadiary performance. Dirctor, Neil Jordans masterpiece.
  • September 22, 2007
    it's pretty slow going and the pacino machine doesn't really get a chance to act until the last half. it has moments of comedy in it and can't be put down for it's methods of telling this story, but it just isn't one of the flicks you'd watch over and over. probably see it once a...( read more)nd never get the urge to watch it again. of course once big al gets his chance he blows all the other actors/actresses outta the water as per usual but you gotta be patient with it
  • October 15, 2009
    A highly ironic and eccentric take on the hypocrisy and inconsistency in our justice system, which is regrettably all too accurate.
  • September 18, 2009
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  • August 16, 2009
    al pacino BEST FILM EVER
  • June 17, 2009
    "It sucks, Arthur. It really SUCKS."

    The opening and ending credits music set the tone wonderfully for this film; it IS a drama, but there is plenty of off-beat humor, and as long as you're enjoying the ride, it works. I'm always impressed when I watch this movie. I think what I...( read more) like most about this film is that it's not about the story, it's about the character; I find it very refreshing. (Although, I do find the ending to be overrated.)

    Quality Pacino.

    "Don't you care, Warren?...
    Don't you even care?...
    They're people, they're just people."
  • April 15, 2009
    You know what I like about Pacino, his acting. And in this important should-be-seen film, he proves me right that he?s one of the best in Hollywood town! This is one of his best films to consider. He?s perfect for his role in this film, an angry, righteous young public defender. ...( read more)When the time he bursts out in anger in the last part of the film, well it made jump out of my sit and punch the pillows around me, because I really wanted the truth be told! And he brings down his client, Judge Fleming hardcore style!! I agreed in the statement: ?The final explosive court room scene is unforgettable.? Well it is!

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...And Justice For All Trivia


  • What movie had a tagline that said "For the good of all men, and the love of one woman, he fought to uphold justice by breaking the law"?  Answer »
  • Name the actor that appeared in Any Given Sunday, Author! Author, ...And Justice for all.  Answer »
  • who is the actor that is in all these movies?? Out for justice, submerged, exit wounds, half past dead and fire down below....  Answer »
  • In what movie did Al Pacino NOT have a gun?  Answer »

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