The Advocate

The Advocate is an intriguing medieval court drama set in the days when humans and animals were both known to contain the devil. Courtois, an educated lawyer (Colin Firth), leaves the big city to find peace in the countryside but finds murderous acts holding the small hamlet in fear. To the town folk, Courtois's intelligence is nearly as mysterious as witchcraft, which is all the talk of the day. Since we rarely see a movie set in this time period, it intrigues but doesn't teach beyond its initial premise: animals can go on trial. The film is supported by some wonderful character actors, including Ian Holm as a priest with very liberal views and Nicol Williamson as the unofficial king. Lots of naughtiness mostly played for laughs makes this the first thinking person's ribald classic. --Doug Thomas

Movie Details

Cast: Colin Firth, Donald Pleasence, Amina Annabi, Jim Carter, Ian Holm, Michael Gough, Harriet Walter, Jim Carter, Lysette Anthony, Sophie Dix, Elizabeth Spriggs
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 102 min
DVD Aspect Ratios: 1.85:1

International rating:

Europe: 15

DVD International release dates:
North America: Apr 5, 05

VHS International release dates:
North America: Sep 10, 96
Europe: Feb 6, 95