Advocate

Expertly directed by Rachel Leah Jones and Philippe Bellaïche, "Advocate" examines Tsemel from numerous perspectives, delving into her history, her family and the way she operates day to day.

"Advocate"... makes for potent viewing as a portrait of a steadfast activist with a controversial cause.

[A] tough-minded, clear-eyed film...

The filmmakers eschew many of the conventions of biographical documentary to deliver a propulsive, cool-headed courtroom drama.

This documentary portrait of Israeli human rights lawyer Lea Tsemel gets absorbingly up close and personal.

But on a purely human level, Advocate is best enjoyed if you like to root for people who go against the system to take on unpopular causes at the risk of their own safety and comfort.

An unflinching look at a woman who hangs out in a very bad neighborhood, with only words to protect her and her clients.

Maybe there's a perceptual shift at play, or maybe the film is simply good enough to break past that bias. It certainly rises above the usual standard of both biographical and political docs.

Advocate is less of a procedural than it is a portrait of how activism can and must work under extreme obstacles

A provocative and empowering documentary about Lea Tsemel, a brave human rights lawyer fighting for justice, empathy, fairness and, above all, democracy. She's a gift to humanity.