Before Al Pacino became bigger than the movies he appeared in, before he became a parody of Al Pacino, he produced work like "and justice for all".
Aside from being a deeply disturbing, at times pathetic, at times humourous protrayal of the corruption and inertia of the legal system, Pacino hands in a dynamic and dramatic performance as idealistic layer Arthur Kirkland. Kirkland truly believes in the rule of law, that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law, regardless of social status, and that there should be "justice for all".
It is such integrity that leads him to represent corrupt lawyer John Forsythe. (Charlie's Angels "Charlie", /Blake Carrington for "Dynasty"). And there his troubles start.
Along side a sucidal judge, a deeply troubled legal partner, a girlfriend whose professional commitment rivals Joseph McCarthy, and a family background which sees him struggling with absentee parents and an alzheimers Lee Strasberg, Arthur Kirkland's life is not plain sailing. Although, from the outset, we as an audience are with him, understand his straightforward professional and personal ethics of honesty, and cheer with him to the last as we see how one man can indeed fight city hall, and come out intact.
The beauty of this film is not merely Pacino's performance which is indeed credible and magnificent,and pre-dates "Al Pacino Movie Star" - but is reflective of life. Puzzling, comic, dramatic, heart breaking, and all at once redemptive.
