Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Columbia Pictures | Release Date: November 17, 2017

6.2	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 93 Ratings

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User Reviews

User score By date Most helpful

ProteusNov 21, 2017

Gilroy has depth and intelligence built into everything going on here. Denzel is always interesting. Always. But the writing behind things is the real treasure here. Indulge yourself and see this movie.

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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BuddahNov 26, 2017

While there are elements of this movie that are lacking, Denzel is pure Denzel and it is such a privilege to be alive during his career. He is just so good sometimes like in this role of Roman J. Israel, Esq. that you come away from hisWhile there are elements of this movie that are lacking, Denzel is pure Denzel and it is such a privilege to be alive during his career. He is just so good sometimes like in this role of Roman J. Israel, Esq. that you come away from his performances with a piece of him attached to your subconscious. He takes a character that lacks charisma and gives him so much that you want to know him, root for him and be his ally. Bravo Mr Washington, bravo!… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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robbywarren93Jan 31, 2018

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Denzel Washington gives an amazing performance, truly deserving of all the awards it's been nominated for, it's fast paced and very entertaining.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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cine_a_dayNov 25, 2017

An ethical thriller featuring a commanding performance by Denzel Washington. Great music and a tone that keeps you guessing. I've seen it twice and enjoyed the moral dilemmas, Denzel's quick witticisms, and vital critiques of the criminalAn ethical thriller featuring a commanding performance by Denzel Washington. Great music and a tone that keeps you guessing. I've seen it twice and enjoyed the moral dilemmas, Denzel's quick witticisms, and vital critiques of the criminal justice system.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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RelaxedmikeDec 6, 2017

Critics here gave this movie a 57 average? WOWZER! pretty darn critical I would say. I thought this movie was good. About a 7 and a half. So I gave it an 8. I actually went to college with a black geek like the one Denzel Plays here. GuyCritics here gave this movie a 57 average? WOWZER! pretty darn critical I would say. I thought this movie was good. About a 7 and a half. So I gave it an 8. I actually went to college with a black geek like the one Denzel Plays here. Guy became a Pharmacist. He was smart and very nerdy. Shy but whitty. Had no street sense whatsoever. Denzel made the character Believable.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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VancomycinFeb 3, 2018

Colin and Denzel deliver flawless performances in this Grisham-style film that won't let you down. It contains just enough of all the right engagement qualities to keep you at it's pacing until the credits roll, proving it's gently-made pointColin and Denzel deliver flawless performances in this Grisham-style film that won't let you down. It contains just enough of all the right engagement qualities to keep you at it's pacing until the credits roll, proving it's gently-made point that individuals on the autistic spectrum can be a real joy.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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GinaKNov 27, 2017

I have seen both of Dan Gilroy’s films and admired –- and even liked -- them. Nightcrawler had a great performance by the underappreciated Jake Gyllenhaal (have you seen Nocturnal Animals?), and this film has a fantastic performance by DenzelI have seen both of Dan Gilroy’s films and admired –- and even liked -- them. Nightcrawler had a great performance by the underappreciated Jake Gyllenhaal (have you seen Nocturnal Animals?), and this film has a fantastic performance by Denzel Washington that keeps you watching even when the script and the main character seem to lose their way. The plot meanders and goes on too long, but I was still intensely interested in watching Washington/Israel try desperately to find a way to make a corrupt legal system just a little better while trying to find some personal fulfillment in a very drab and frustrating life. It’s a wonderful performance in a sadly imperfect film. The supporting cast is also excellent, especially Colin Farrell who is stuck with an interesting but underwritten character who might just become the next Israel. See this film if you are a Denzel Washington fan like me and have the patience to watch an interesting film that almost (but doesn’t quite) work.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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chrisrank88Nov 26, 2017

A fantastic performance by Denzel Washington carries this novel and engaging legal story about a fringe player with good intentions but unfortunate timing and execution skills. Good supporting cast, direction, and twists keep the plot flowingA fantastic performance by Denzel Washington carries this novel and engaging legal story about a fringe player with good intentions but unfortunate timing and execution skills. Good supporting cast, direction, and twists keep the plot flowing smoothly.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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section20mi6Mar 11, 2018

Solid performance by Denzel Washington in a close-look character study film that examines a lawyer's troubling personal state and professional career played out in a relatively safe film-making fashion.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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AndreaMonetDogsNov 24, 2017

now i feel like i am guilty of black cultural appropriation. i have to check my privilege. this movie stirs up thoughts of a less fantastic me #andreamonet ftw

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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KenRSep 25, 2018

Here’s an intriguing story that’s well produced, photographed, and acted - with a standout turn by Denzel Washington as Roman J. Israel. The central idea and character are both compelling - offering many beguiling situations throughout itsHere’s an intriguing story that’s well produced, photographed, and acted - with a standout turn by Denzel Washington as Roman J. Israel. The central idea and character are both compelling - offering many beguiling situations throughout its fascinating premise. But is it perhaps tending to be let down in the form of a relatively unconvincing turnaround of Roman’s long-held personal principles? Roman has worked in the backroom of a two man law firm for most of his working life. He’s an upper middle-aged character with a superior memory who’s employed to administer advice on complex justice issues. He’s developed limited interpersonal life skills and holds to his strong idealistic beliefs that within an opportunistic law system - the poor have little or no opportunities for true legal justice. He also sees plea bargaining as too often a corrupt method of achieving a ‘just’ outcome. Over several decades, he’s been working on a system to introduce considerable, overdue reforms of the entire justice administration, then... Following a couple of unexpected disruptive events in his somewhat suppressed life – Roman allows himself to give in to corruption and material wealth – all within what seems like a handful of weeks. Washington is so good, he almost convinces us to accept these near outlandish behavioural transitions until it all begins to unravel. Talented writer-director Dan Gilroy edited out several scenes prior to general release and this may have been an unwise decision - with a little more character or script development this fine story could have ended up a great story - as is, it’s a tour de force performance within a most interesting piece of socially aware storytelling - wrapped up in a near perfect movie. Of course, it could be argued that Roman’s physiological disorder might have influenced his uncharacteristic turnaround but, maybe this could also be a long bow to draw(?). Recommended for lovers of interesting movie making that falls just a little short of the goals it strives for - while always remaining above average and definitely well worth seeing.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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SlyL-BCSFDec 13, 2020

L'Affaire Roman J. est un long métrage malin, intelligent et plus intéressant et complexe qu'il n'y parait.

Dénouement prévisible, trop facile ? Peut-être, peut-être pas...

Sly L.
La Videotek

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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alejandro970Dec 18, 2020

Lawyer drama. Denzel Washington has enough magnetism to play a lawyer with dubious principles, until the moment that he must make a difficult life or death decision, of his own life. To see a weekend afternoon.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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hazschJul 19, 2020

Denzel Washington HARD carries this pretty alright film, and Colin Farrel is pretty great too. Denzel's character is entertaining and believable, and he well deserved the nomination for best actor that he got. For sure worth a watch.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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geewahJan 8, 2021

A movie that relies on the performance of it's lead. And Denzel delivers. A good flick.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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