Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- serious
- morally tense
- introspective
- thoughtful movie night
- legal thriller marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly agreed that Denzel Washington gives a magnetic, deeply committed performance in an intriguing legal thriller whose heavy-handed narrative never fully realizes its potential.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Roman’s commitment to defending poor and dispossessed clients is tested after his legal practice collapses and he faces an urgent personal crisis.
Roman is portrayed as a socially isolated, eccentric defense attorney whose unconventional methods reflect his civil-rights ideals.
The film focuses on an overburdened Los Angeles criminal court system and contrasts Roman’s ideals with a cutthroat law firm.
The provided plot keywords identify a briefcase as a consequential crime-story object amid Roman’s professional and moral crisis.
Films like Roman J. Israel, Esq., and why
A Few Good Men
shared legal drama framework, morally conflicted protagonist, and critique of institutional injustice
The Lincoln Lawyer
shared courtroom tension, idealistic legal advocacy, and socially conscious drama
Michael Clayton
shared crime drama atmosphere, compromised protagonist, and moral descent under pressure
Movie Details
- Director
- Dan Gilroy
- Release Date
- 2017-11-17
- Runtime
- 122 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (1434)
Cast
- Denzel Washington
- Colin Farrell
- Carmen Ejogo
- Lynda Gravatt
- Amanda Warren
- Hugo Armstrong
- Sam Gilroy
- Tony Plana
- DeRon Horton
- Amari Cheatom
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Starz Apple TV channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Roman J. Israel, Esq. about?
- An eccentric Los Angeles defense lawyer’s unwavering commitment to justice collides with financial desperation and the compromises of modern legal practice.
- What is Roman J. Israel, Esq. like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Roman J. Israel, Esq. as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Roman J. Israel, Esq. violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Roman J. Israel, Esq. as mild.
- What did critics think of Roman J. Israel, Esq.?
- Critics broadly agreed that Denzel Washington gives a magnetic, deeply committed performance in an intriguing legal thriller whose heavy-handed narrative never fully realizes its potential.
- Which films are like Roman J. Israel, Esq.?
- Films with a similar feel include A Few Good Men, The Lincoln Lawyer, and Michael Clayton.
- How long is Roman J. Israel, Esq.?
- Roman J. Israel, Esq. runs 122 minutes.
- Where can I watch Roman J. Israel, Esq.?
- In United States, Roman J. Israel, Esq. streams on Starz Apple TV channel.
