Adapted from the novel of the same name by Scott Turow, this is a smart, well-acted little drama of suspense, the truth, and facts. It's also a rather chilling look at the American justice system, where small things can change your entire life.

Let's take our Hero, Rusty Sabich (Harrison Ford), an assistant District Attorney in the fictional Kindle County. He's happily married, a successful father and lawyer, and life is pretty good. But there's a fly in the ointment, a secret little affair that he had with a co-worker, the beautful Carolyn Polhemus (Greta Sacchi).

Then Ms. Polhemus is found murdered in her apartment, in a gruesome sex-murder, and every piece of evidence is pointing to Rusty. Needing a lawyer, a good lawyer, he turns to Sandy Stern (played oh so well by the late Raul Julia) and Rusty starts to crumble as the evidence and doubts build in a long and drawn out court trial.

The ending was a complete surprise to me; it might not be justice as we think of it, but it does work.

Now, for the one thing that keeps me watching this one, and to blow the bucks for the DVD version: it's the supporting cast in this. Bonnie Bedelia as Rusty's loyal and loving wife; Brian Dehenney as his boss, the DA; Raul Julia as Sandy Stern, his lawyer; Paul Winfield as the presiding judge of the case, and John Spence as an old friend and cop, who it turns out, to be Rusty's savior.

(Trivia alert: Fans of West Wing will spot several cast members in lesser parts of this film.)

Ably directed by Alan Pakula, this is a feast for anyone fond of crime thrillers, with smart acting and script, little wasted time and great casting. It's also a sobering look at the concept of 'innocent until proven guilty' and how a case can be built on heresay and flimsy evidence. It will make you think twice about what you think you see.

This film is not for the faint of heart, as there is some graphic and torrid sex, the crime scene photos of Polhemus, and a bit of bad language. So I'd say it wasn't suitable for children.

On the other hand, it's terrific for anyone who's a fan of Law and Order.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age