Word: lings
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Richard Gere takes Hollywood's latest shot at China--this time targeting its system of criminal justice (or lack thereof). Solid courtroom drama, good paranoia buildup and a fine performance by Bai Ling as Gere's lawyer are ultimately let down by a muddled ending...
Richard Gere takes Hollywood's latest shot at China--this time attacking its system of criminal justice (or lack thereof). Solid courtroom drama and a fine performance by Bai Ling as Gere's lawyer are ultimately let down by a muddled ending...
...movie's strongest points is the role of Shen Yeulin, the female court-appointed defense attorney for Moore, played by Bai Ling, making an impressive debut in American cinema. She at first is part of the overwhelming uphill battle Moore must fight to prove his innocence, as she is not convinced of his claim and tells him that a guilty plea will yield more leniency. The way that she eventually becomes convinced of Moore's story and becomes a staunch ally and hard-fighting friend on his side is genuinely touching...
Accordingly, the relationship between Gere and Ling is one of the few things that elevates the movie above the generic. The culture clash becomes all the more striking, as we see how the two learn to work together thus providing a foil for the isolation that all the other Chinese elements create...
...case progresses, and more of the conspiracy is unveiled, Ling's character becomes increasingly determined to get to the bottom of the matter, to resolve her own moral qualms, and she increasingly puts herself in danger by helping Moore. This shift of focus is extremely well done and welcome. Both characters become fleshed out and more endearing as they each must break from their traditionally defined roles: Gere gets to be a concerned champion of another's welfare instead of just a victim, and Ling gets to be an endangered target and not just a calculating defense attorney. This role...