The Advocate [VHS]
by Leslie Megahey
![The Advocate [VHS]](/images/The-Advocate-VHS-630340717X-L.jpg)
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Product details
Actor: Amina Annabi, Colin Firth, Donald Pleasence, Ian Holm, Nicol WilliamsonDirector: Leslie Megahey
Edition: VHS Tape
Audio: English (Original Language), Analog
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC
Running Time: 102 minutes
Release Date: 1996-09-11
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Publisher: Walt Disney Video
Studio: Walt Disney Video
VHS Movie Reviews of The Advocate [VHS]
Movie Review: THE ADOVACATE
Summary: 5 Stars
IT MEANING THE STORY WAS DECENT BUT IT WAS NOT AS GOOD AS I EXPECTEDMovie Review: Hidden gem
Summary: 4 Stars
Set in medieval times, The Advocate opens with the journey of idealistic new lawyer Richard Courtois from Paris to the southern French village of Abbeville, where he hopes to make a difference in the lives of the downtrodden peasants. In no time at all, he's overwhelmed by a backlog of cases the likes of which he has never encountered. When he finds that the majority involve animals accused of such crimes as bestiality and murder, Courtois simply cannot accept the absurdity of such a practice. But his attempts to reform the local system of justice are vigorously impeded by the corruption of the gentry.
This movie has much to recommend it, from the excellence of its cast, to the scrupulously rendered settings and costumes, to the factual underpinnings of its plot. Based loosely upon the life of medieval advocate Bartholomew Chassene, it achieves a pleasant balance between subtle comedy and drama, a commentary on the readiness of the powerful to capitalize upon the fears and superstitions of their day.
(Warning to those who find nudity offensive - there is quite a bit, both male and female, although the love scenes are not excessively graphic.)
Movie Review: Pretentious and cliched
Summary: 2 Stars
In the dark ages in France a young lawyer travels to a small village to be the Advocate, sort of like a public defender. It's a time when people believe in witchcraft and demon possession in people and animals. Thus, we see a donkey accused of being a party to beastiality, and a pig accused of murder, along with a host of witches, lunatics, and robbers. The Advocate (played by Colin Firth) is a sort of medieval Perry Mason, coming up with clever defenses.
The village is supposed to be brimming with hidden secrets, but none of the secrets are very earth shattering. They include a secret society that doesn't have any interesting secrets, a priest who chases women, a corrupt rich landowner, etc. Nothing very interesting.
The scenery and sets are well done. The casting director and the costume designer did a grand job of making the actors and extras look authentic. So, it's a visually attractive movie.
There is quite a bit of nudity, which will doubtless thrill the Firth fans, but it's not sensual. The sex scenes aren't steamy.
This was an okay movie to watch once, but I'm sorry I bought the DVD. I donated it to the library, so some good came of it.
Movie Review: no laughing please
Summary: 3 Stars
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?) Movie Review: unusual
Summary: 3 Stars
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.
Summary of The Advocate [VHS]
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!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
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