The Advocate

The Advocate, originally titled as The Hour of the Pig, is a riveting mystery drama released in 1993, set against the backdrop of medieval France. Noted for its divergence from the predictability of classical cinema narratives, the film is a captivating fusion of courtroom procedural and a period piece that displays a striking realism of a complex society. Helmed by director Leslie Megahey, the film stars Colin Firth, Amina Annabi, and Jim Carter amongst others in an ensemble of formidable actors.

The central character of the story is Richard Courtois, a charmingly ambitious lawyer played by Colin Firth. Courtois, dissatisfied with the legal machinery's corruption in bustling Paris, has moved to a more rural French province, Abbeville, with dreams of establishing an honest practice. The narratives intricately follow Courtois' personal evolution as the convoluted customs of this new society slowly unfurl before him and the audience. Courtois, a city gentleman, finds himself inexplicably entangled in an abyss of inexplicable superstitions, otherworldly fears, and crude eccentricities characteristic of the village setting. Not only does he find himself defending human defendants but also animal ones in an intriguing exploration of animal trials common during the medieval period.

Amina Annabi adorns the role of Samira, a gypsy woman who is viewed with suspicion and dread due to the societal norms of the period. The delightful chemistry between Courtois and Samira sets the tone for a developing romance subplot. Their interactions and growing fondness for each other provide a humane touch in the otherwise intense narrative. Simultaneously, the indomitable presence of Jim Carter playing Mathieu, a town official, adds layers of complexities and hurdles for our protagonist.

The Advocate delves into the mysterious criminal proceedings and trials in the village that keep you enthralled. Colin Firth’s exemplary performance as Courtois balances the gravitas and the lighter side of his courtroom hysterics, providing comic relief without detracting from the film's more serious underlying themes. It showcases a ridiculous yet historically accurate depiction of animal trials, where animals were put on the stand for crimes against humanity. The cultural barbed wire surrounding these peculiar trials presents a compelling canvas for the plot's central mystery.

The Advocate's cinematography deserves explicit mention, capturing in delightful detail the bittersweet odour of the grimy streets, dilapidated houses, and the harsh countryside of Medieval France. The sense of place and time the film instils transports the audience to this entirely different world. Director Leslie Megahey superbly crafts a society oscillating between archaic practices and slowly dawning humanism, where superstitions have an iron grip on legal machinery.

Concurrently, The Advocate challenges and complicates simplistic dichotomies between city and rural, past and present, barbarism and civilization. The judicial system's parallels in the story serve as symbols of historicization, a mirror reflecting our contemporary world, blurring the lines between modern law principles and archaic judiciary norms. Despite the chronological distance of the setting, the film reverberates with present concerns around law, justice, societal roles, and institutional corruption that remain relevant in contemporary society.

The strong performances of the lead characters bring depth to the story. Colin Firth's portrayal of the urbane lawyer who navigates a labyrinth of arcane legal customs and unusual trials is commendable. His character's struggle between his moral compass and the strange laws of the new land provide an undercurrent of tension throughout the movie. Amina Annabi’s performance as Samira deftly demonstrates the restrictive societal norms and their impact on women in that era. Jim Carter is ceaselessly entertaining as a morally ambiguous official who helps to deepen the complexity of law and order in this intriguing spread of medieval life.

The Advocate is not a typical period drama. It is an interesting exploration of law and customs through the lens of history, filled with political intrigue, human nature, societal norms, and an undercurrent of romance. By challenging preconceptions and boldly delving into the bizarre, the absurd and the unjust, this film successfully challenges the audience to think of law, society, and humanity in entirely new ways. Its unique structures, layered characters, and unflinching authenticity make this film a must-watch for fans of both period dramas and courtroom thrillers.