The Law

The Law

Year: 2010

Runtime: 114 min

Language: czech

Director: Jules Dassin

Drama

Set in a picturesque Mediterranean town, a captivating housekeeper named Marietta finds herself at the center of a complex situation involving desire and deception. Several men are vying for her attention, but Marietta is drawn to Enrico, whom she hopes to marry. To achieve her goal, she cleverly manipulates the affections and ambitions of her pursuers, turning their own schemes against them in a battle of wits and charm.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Law (2010)

Trace every key event in The Law (2010) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction of Mickey Haller as a criminal defense attorney

Mickey Haller operates out of his black Lincoln Town Car around Los Angeles County, defending various criminals. He is known for being a smooth yet brutal lawyer, extending jail time for clients who refuse to pay his fees, such as Harold Casey. His assistant Lorna supports him in managing his cases and clients.

Los Angeles County
2

Haller's case against Harold Casey

Haller extends Harold Casey's incarceration, deliberately delaying proceedings by claiming he cannot locate a key witness. Haller demands a fee and creates a hoax about flying in an expert witness, which turns out to be false. This showcases Haller's reliance on manipulation and strategic delays.

3

Haller takes on Louis Roulet's case

Haller lands perhaps his most significant case, defending Louis Roulet, a Beverly Hills playboy accused of brutally assaulting prostitute Reggie Campo. Roulet specifically chooses Haller based on a previous case, setting the stage for a high-profile trial. Bail is set at $1 million, but Roulet is released with an ankle bracelet.

Los Angeles
4

The case details and initial defenses

Roulet claims he was at Reggie's apartment after she approached him at a bar. He states he was attacked after entering her apartment, with his prints found on a knife. Reggie alleges Roulet assaulted her and hit her with a vodka bottle, which contributed to her injuries. Haller begins analyzing evidence, suspecting Roulet's innocence.

Reggie's apartment
5

Haller investigates the evidence and past case

Haller, along with investigator Frank Levin, examines the injuries and evidence, noticing similarities to a past case involving Jesus Martinez, who was convicted of murder. Haller starts to question if Roulet might be linked to that case, despite confidentiality restrictions preventing him from sharing what he learns with police.

6

Roulet admits to the murder of Martinez's victim

Roulet nonchalantly reveals to Haller that he committed the murder for which Martinez was imprisoned. He confesses to deliberately seeking Haller's counsel to leverage attorney-client privilege and threatens Haller's family. Roulet's admission raises suspicion about his true nature.

Haller's home
7

Levin's murder and missing weapon

Frank Levin is murdered after leaving a voicemail about discovering Martinez's escape ticket. The weapon used is a .22 caliber pistol, which Haller's own gun, registered in his name, is stolen from his home. Roulet's involvement is suspected as he learns about Levin's investigation.

Haller's home
8

Discrediting witnesses and case dismissal

Haller cross-examines Reggie to undermine her credibility. He then uses an informant, Dwayne Jeffrey 'DJ' Corliss, to gather evidence against Roulet. The prosecution dismisses charges, but Roulet is then arrested for Martinez's murder based on the informant's testimony, illustrating Haller's strategic tactics.

9

Roulet's attempt on Haller's family and subsequent attack

Roulet, released due to lack of evidence, tries to kill Haller's wife and daughter. However, Haller intervenes just in time. Roulet is beaten by bikers Haller previously helped, and Haller warns that he will face justice in the hospital rather than the morgue. This sequence shows Roulet's desperation.

Haller's home
10

Confession of the murder by Roulet's mother

Haller discovers Roulet's mother, Mary Windsor, inside his home. She confesses to killing Levin with her Colt Woodsman pistol to protect her son. In self-defense, Haller shoots and kills her, confronting the violent and complex family dynamics at play.

Haller's home
11

Aftermath and next steps

Following his recovery, Haller learns that Jesus Martinez has been released from prison, and the district attorney plans to seek the death penalty against Roulet. Haller commits to defending his client, planning his next moves in the ongoing legal battle, exemplifying his ongoing dedication to justice.

12

Haller's new case and commitment

Haller rides off to represent a biker gang pro bono, reflecting his sense of responsibility and willingness to support those he has previously defended. This decision signals his ongoing fight for justice beyond high-profile cases and his personal aspirations.

Last Updated: July 16, 2025 at 07:58

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Movies with Cunning Protagonists and Intricate Manipulations like The Law

Stories where charm and intellect are the primary weapons in a high-stakes game.If you enjoyed the clever, manipulative strategies in The Law, this list features movies where characters use their wits and charm to navigate complex situations. These films share a focus on intellectual battles, moral ambiguity, and protagonists who are masters of deception, offering a thrilling and thought-provoking viewing experience.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread often follow a master manipulator as they execute a complex plan, pitting other characters against each other. The journey involves rising tension as the scheme progresses, with the central conflict being one of wits rather than brute force, leading to consequences that are often morally complex.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared focus on intelligent, strategic protagonists and the psychological tension of their manipulations. They create a specific type of suspense rooted in anticipation and moral questioning, rather than overt action.

Movies about Bittersweet Justice in a Corrupt World like The Law

Stories where achieving justice comes at a profound personal cost.For viewers who appreciated the costly victory and moral weight of The Law, this collection features similar films where justice is achieved but at great personal expense. These stories often involve legal battles, investigations into corruption, and protagonists who are forever changed by their pursuit of a bittersweet truth.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist confronting a powerful, corrupt system or individual. The climax resolves the central conflict, often exposing the truth or punishing the guilty, but the resolution is tempered by significant loss, trauma, or a newfound understanding of the world's inherent darkness.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their shared emotional arc: a journey toward a justified outcome that feels more like a pyrrhic victory than a triumph. The focus is on the emotional and moral toll of the conflict, creating a deeply resonant and heavy viewing experience.

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The Law Summary

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The Law Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Law

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Law

The Law Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Law Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Law

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