O Cliente

"The Client" is a mystery thriller court drama, with many red herrings that plays on familiar legal drama tropes. Within that is serious questions about justice, and the way to go about getting justice. As well as what general social consequences there are when a method to get justice goes wrong.

To contrast with the dramatic moments is criminal defense attorney who doesn't take himself all that seriously. He probably could have his own tv show, he's quite intriguing! His assistants as well have a lighter manner, creating some almost sitcom moments.

I would say this movie does a good job fleshing out both sides of the faults and issues of defense and prosecutor attorneys. I don't know the Korean justice system that well, but some of the calls the judge made, and the objective as well, seemed odd however. I have my doubts about whether "The Client" is that technically correct legally speaking. Especially the end. But I think there is enough nuance to make the movie philosophically interesting.

A bonus is the unexpected twist at the end. Kind of wish maybe it played out differently. But I do enjoy the banter between the two attorneys representing different sides. Maybe their relationship is the actual point of the film.

Heh... Am I the ONLY one who saw this...? : )

Seriously though, this was a very good film; nothing legendary by any means, but very well done, with excellent acting, and a good, involving story. There is nothing overtly stylish or particularly outstanding that would set this apart as way above other good Legal Thrillers, but it is competently done in every way and directed very well.

Just ONE tiny little thing that I couldn't help but notice because I happen to be an EXTREMELY avid fan of this other film, but I kind of smiled because there was just ONE brief scene shown towards the latter part of the film that was lifted almost LINE FOR LINE from the TRAGICALLY underrated film 'FROM THE HIP' (1987) starring a most excellent and delightful Judd Nelson in one of his best roles ever, not to mention an absolutely CHILLING performance by John Hurt. Heh, I'm sitting here thinking, 'These sly B@stards... I wonder if anyone will actually know where this is from...?'

So, as long as you don't mind reading subtitles and you DO like good Courtroom Drama and films with interesting Police investigations, then you should really enjoy this movie.

One of the must-watch Korean movies, the story and plot are enigmatic and full of question marks.

Contains a plot twist where the audience is invited to guess who is right! Extraordinary!

Ok, so I'd have rated this movie lower but it really picked up after the mid part. It's intriguing, well-acted and simply engaging. My biggest complaint is the fate and substance of the CCTV footage- we saw a bit and it figures why they're hiding it, but overall I didn't understand if it did capture the killer or not. Why couldn't the defense demand it? It was not listed as evidence but there were witnesses who informally testified detective Lee demanded it. He was not going to be allowed as a witness but there were others who could testify and cast doubt on the prosecution. I still can't say I know exactly what was on the footage except for the little we were shown where we find out why it was hidden. It was made confusing and should have been clarified better. Moreover the entire timeline of the murder was confusing too. I couldn't say how things unfolded with any precision. I have to rewatch to see if I missed something. Jang Hyuk hairstyle is way too hip for someone in prison. Other than that, enjoyed both the acting and the intrigue. Solid movie out of south Korea!

The Client is an amazing movie, nice direction, very good actors, one of the rarest thrillers I have ever seen with an awesome climax and background story. Totally you will not regret a minute watching it.