Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Year: 2017

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Dan Gilroy

Echo Score: 67

Budget: $22M

DramaCrime

After the unexpected death of his mentor, the respected civil rights advocate William Henry Jackson, idealistic defense attorney Roman J. Israel finds himself at a crossroads. He must adjust to a new environment at George Pierce’s successful law firm, grappling with the firm’s more pragmatic approach. When he takes on the case of Langston Bailey, a young man accused of murder, Roman’s legacy and deeply held convictions are put to the ultimate test, forcing him to re-evaluate his principles.

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Timeline & Setting – Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s, contemporary

The film features flashbacks to the 1960s, a pivotal era for the civil rights movement in America. In this time, significant social tensions and the fight for justice were prevalent, influencing Roman's legal philosophy. The contemporary setting highlights ongoing struggles for equality and justice, bridging past and present.

Location

Los Angeles, Santa Monica, courtroom

The movie is set in Los Angeles, a vibrant city known for its entertainment industry and diverse culture. Santa Monica, a beach town within LA, serves as a backdrop for moments of indulgence and self-reflection. Courtrooms also play a crucial role, representing the challenges and complexities of the legal system.

🏛️ Court 🌆 City Life 🏖️ Beach

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:42

Main Characters – Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)

Meet the key characters of Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Roman J. Israel, Esq. (Denzel Washington)

Roman is a dedicated attorney deeply committed to social justice and civil rights. He struggles with his principles as he faces the realities of a flawed legal system, feeling neglected and unrecognized for his efforts. His journey reflects a profound inner conflict as he attempts to reconcile his ideals with the temptations of wealth and status.

👨‍⚖️ Lawyer ✊ Activist 🤔 Thoughtful

George Pierce (Colin Farrell)

George is a pragmatic attorney who grapples with the financial struggles of the firm and the direction they should take. He represents a contrasting perspective to Roman, pushing for practical solutions while also recognizing the value of pro-bono work. His character evolves as he becomes inspired by Roman's determination for meaningful change.

💼 Lawyer 🏗️ Grounded 💵 Practical

Maya Alston (Carmen Ejogo)

Maya is a passionate advocate for social justice who encourages Roman to engage with the community. She serves as a voice of reason and challenges Roman's views on gender dynamics and activism. Her compassion and determination make her a crucial ally in Roman's quest for justice.

👩‍⚖️ Advocate 💜 Empathetic 🌱 Inspiring

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:42

Major Themes – Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)

Explore the central themes of Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The pursuit of justice is central to Roman's character and the narrative. His dedication to defending the marginalized reflects a deep commitment to civil rights and legal equity. Throughout the film, the complexities of moral choices within the legal system are poignantly explored.

💔 Disillusionment

Roman grapples with disillusionment as he witnesses the realities of the legal profession. His internal conflict between the ideals he values and the lucrative path he is drawn toward underscores the tension between ambition and integrity. This theme resonates as Roman's desire for recognition leads him astray.

🌍 Social Change

The film emphasizes the importance of social activism and community involvement in fostering change. Roman's experiences with protesters and his efforts to offer legal advice highlight the role of attorneys in advocating for social justice. His journey illustrates that true change requires courage and a willingness to confront difficult truths.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:42

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Movies about idealism vs pragmatism like Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Stories about characters whose deeply held principles are tested by a cynical world.If you liked the moral struggle in Roman J. Israel, Esq., you'll find similar stories here. These films feature protagonists grappling with the erosion of their ideals, offering intense, character-driven dramas about ethical compromises in professional and personal lives.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a principled protagonist entering a system or situation that operates on contrary, often cynical, rules. The central conflict is internal, as the character is tempted or forced to bend their morals, leading to a crisis of conscience and a re-evaluation of their identity and legacy.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the theme of moral compromise. They feature a similar emotional journey of disillusionment, a dark and heavy tone, and a steady pacing that allows the psychological pressure on the protagonist to build convincingly.

Slow burn psychological dramas like Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Character studies where internal pressure leads to a gradual breakdown.Fans of the anxious, unraveling vibe of Roman J. Israel, Esq. will appreciate these movies. They share a steady pacing and high intensity, focusing on a single character's internal collapse due to moral, professional, or existential pressures.

anxiousgrippingintrospectiveuneasysoul-searchingmelancholic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a focused, steady build-up of stressors on a single character. Each event compounds the last, chipping away at their resolve or sanity. The story is less about external action and more about the detailed observation of a psyche coming undone, often culminating in a tragic or bittersweet conclusion.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their shared mood of anxious dread and a deliberate pacing that makes the character's unraveling feel inevitable. They deliver a heavy emotional weight through an intensely focused, internal character journey.

Unlock the Full Story of Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Don't stop at just watching — explore Roman J. Israel, Esq. in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Roman J. Israel, Esq. is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Roman J. Israel, Esq. Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Roman J. Israel, Esq., including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Roman J. Israel, Esq. Summary

Roman J. Israel, Esq. Timeline

Track the full timeline of Roman J. Israel, Esq. with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Roman J. Israel, Esq. Timeline

Roman J. Israel, Esq. Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Roman J. Israel, Esq. that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Roman J. Israel, Esq. Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Roman J. Israel, Esq.: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Roman J. Israel, Esq.

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