This is a story of social justice and advocacy. Or at least that’s what you should take away from this film. It’s based on true events, though, I can’t find firm confirmation that it’s a true story in its entirety.

Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a lawyer in Los Angeles working in a two person law firm. He’s a brilliant legal mind in the body of an awkward, dated savant of sorts. HIs law partner dies and Israel has to make some hard choices. This story is a series of events that lead the character into a world beyond his control…

Story: It’s very legally technical. Having worked in the court system, I got most of it, but, there are still some dialogue scenes that were over my head. Impressive. The writers clearly did their homework or had some very… very talented legal advisers. Character development is solid.

I also appreciate their ability to infuse empathy and compassion in some of the characters. Not generally an attribute of high-powered Los Angeles lawyers, but, this is a movie after all…

Performances: Denzel Washington as Roman J. Israel is his usual channeled self. He was again nominated for an Oscar and will likely not win again. But, having seen the other Oscar nominated performances in this category, the Oscar should go to one of two people and Denzel Washington is one of the two…

Colin Farrell as George Pierce, the lawyer that extends his hand to Israel is an odd blend of good and bad. So much so that I’m not sure its believable, but definitely refreshing. And Carmen Ejogo as the wide-eyed activist inspired by Israel’s intensity for justice is slightly not believable as well. But again, it feels good to see them interact.

Visual: This film looks like LA. So much so that I could see the heat-haze that looks like LA. Also, the costume transformation that Israel takes is interesting as well. As his circumstances change, so does his look. It’s pretty obvious that something has happened… He’s pretty blatant with his change and there’s no beating-about-the-bush in execution. Whether you blink or not, you’ll see it clearly…

Rating: This was a good film with a strong story and solid characters. This is an A-. In comparison to some other films this awards season, it has more grit and holds your attention more closely. And while some of it is obviously fictional, much of it is real. What happens could really happen and that’s the true value of this film See it.