osund

This is the type of film which Hong Kong is not famous for- a courtroom drama. While a bit extreme in parts, the story does catch the viewer's attention. Andy Lau plays a brand new attorney, just back from England, who defends a prostitute accused of killing a high society playboy. The courtroom scenes do a good job playing up the differences between the prostitute (and the other prostitutes who support her) and the high society types. This is a rare Hong Kong film dealing with class conflict.

Lau does a good job as the young attorney, although the story line makes him out to be almost a saint. Although his law degree gives him entry into high society himself, he is an orphan who hasn't forgotten his roots. As the case goes on, he find his new society friends (and his girlfriend, the daughter of a high-powered lawyer) do not understand why he would defend a prostitute. In addition, the prosecution's entire case seems based on the premise that a prostitute doesn't deserve to live, which comes across a bit extreme.

For those who would like to see what Hong Kong courtrooms were like (at least to some degree) under the British (you will see Andy Lau with his courtroom wig on), this film is a good choice.