The Unwritten Law

The Unwritten Law

Year: 1985

Runtime: 102 mins

Language: Cantonese

Director: Ng See-Yuen

Crime

A lawyer becomes involved in a murder case concerning the bizarre killing of a rich businessman.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Unwritten Law yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Unwritten Law (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Unwritten Law (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Hong Kong

The story unfolds in Hong Kong's urban landscape, moving between courtroom drama, busy streets, and the quiet corridors of an orphanage. The crowded city atmosphere underscores the pressure on truth and reputation in a society influenced by both local norms and British legal framework. Scenes travel through the contrast of public justice and private sacrifice within the city.

🏙️ Hong Kong 🏢 Urban 🚦 Dense city streets

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:02

Main Characters – The Unwritten Law (1985)

Meet the key characters of The Unwritten Law (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Raymond Lau (Andy Lau)

A newly licensed lawyer with a strong sense of justice who relentlessly pursues the truth behind a controversial case, facing opposition from powerful interests and personal conflict with his fiancée's father. His commitment is tested as he unravels the contradictions in witness statements and discovers his own possible connection to the defendant.

👨‍⚖️ Lawyer 🔎 Determined 🧭 Idealist

Lau Wai Lan (Deanie Yip Tak-Han)

A mother who secretly played a guiding role in Raymond's life while also defending her own actions within the case. Her sacrifice and fear of exposure shape her choices, complicating Raymond's understanding of family and justice.

👩‍🍼 Mother 🧩 Secretive 🕊️ Protective

Prosecutor

The prosecuting attorney opposing Raymond in court, navigating the case's complexities and the pressures of pursuing a dignitary's killer. In the film's courtroom dynamics, the prosecutor embodies institutional authority and strategic legal maneuvering.

⚖️ Prosecutor 🧭 Strategic 🏛️ Authority

Murdered client

A victim tied to the case, whose death drives the investigation and courtroom drama. The character serves as a catalyst for the legal drama and the questions of motive that surface during trial.

🕯️ Victim 🕵️ Catalyst 💼 Legal stakes

Maria

The retired orphanage director who testifies about family history and relationship dynamics. Her testimony shapes the judge's understanding of kinship and responsibility in the case.

👩‍🏫 Director 🗣️ Testifier 🏛️ Authority

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:02

Major Themes – The Unwritten Law (1985)

Explore the central themes of The Unwritten Law (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

Raymond, a rookie lawyer, takes on a defense that seems doomed from the start. He digs for evidence across clinics, testimonials, and records to challenge the prosecution's narrative. The investigation reveals contradictions in witness statements and biases stemming from class and status. The courtroom becomes a battleground where truth fights against appearances and power.

💔 Family Secrets

Wai Lan's maternal secret drives the emotional core of the case, complicating loyalties and justice. Her decision to allow Raymond to defend her pits duty against fear of exposure. Her sacrifices, hidden behind anonymity, reveal the costs of love and honor in a rigid society. The search for truth forces the revelation that family ties can both bind and threaten a fair verdict.

🕵️ Secrecy and Truth

The case exposes how evidence can be shaped by motives, relationships, and institutional pressure. Medical records, testimonies, and legal arguments are used to pierce through appearances. Secrecy, self-defense claims, and the interplay of kinship politics challenge the impartiality of law. Ultimately, truth requires courage to confront uncomfortable facts that may redefine family and justice.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:02

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Unwritten Law

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Unwritten Law 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 The Unwritten Law is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Unwritten Law Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Unwritten Law, 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.

The Unwritten Law Summary

The Unwritten Law Timeline

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

The Unwritten Law Timeline

More About The Unwritten Law

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Unwritten Law: 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 The Unwritten Law

Explore More About Movie The Unwritten Law

The Unwritten Law (1985) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Unwritten Law (1985) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Unwritten Law (1985) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow