In medieval France, a youthful lawyer named Richard Courtois travels to Abbeville, a strange provincial town where he serves as defense advocate on a number of local cases. When a young child is murdered, the superstitious witch-hunting townspeople accuse a precious family pig, owned by some local gypsies, of committing the crime. Though Courtois is loath to take on such a ridiculous case, a seductive, attractive gypsy woman begs him to reconsider -- offering herself as tender for legal services. But Courtois had better take care, because the longer he remains in Abbeville, the more involved with local politics he becomes.
The film was released in the UK as "Hour of the Pig;" it was released as "The Advocate" in the USA.
Feature film debut for director/screenwriter Leslie Megahey.
Original MPAA Rating NC-17 (Appealed to the CARA Appeals Board). This version of the film ran 117 minutes. The Miramax Video release Catalogue #2560 is rated MPAA R and runs 102 minutes.
Color by Rank. Shot on location in the Rhone-Alps, France and Ealing Film Studios, London.
The character, Richard Courtois, is based on a real-life advocate, Bartholomew Chassene, who defended in many historically documented animal trials. He became one of the greatest criminal lawyers of his century.
Additional cast: Sophie Dix (Maria), Vincent Grass (Bailiff Labatier), Raoul Delfosse (Blind Georges), Jean-Pierre Stewart (Sheriff), and Emil Wolk (Print Seller).
Additional credits: Dave Edwards (associate producer), David Mason (UPM), and Jill Pack (production executive)
Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Classification.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
Distributor Notes: The Advocate
Screen favorites Colin Firth (WHAT A GIRL WANTS, BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY) and Ian Holm (THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy, FROM HELL) star in THE ADVOCATE -- one of Hollywood's most controversial films in years and described by many as provocative, sexy, and fascinating. A courtroom thriller with a passionate edge, it's the story of a dynamic young lawyer (Firth) whose quest for the simple life leads him to a law position in a small rural town. What he finds instead is a disturbing case of murder, seduction, and corruption -- a case that reveals the mystery beneath the village's quiet facade. Yet as he searches for answers, he finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue and betrayal. Don't miss this sexy thriller -- a dark story about the many sides of truth, and passion's deadly price!
Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
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Review 1:
"...It works in a great deal of sly humor....THE ADVOCATE doesn't depend on sex or secrets for its charm, but earns it on its own..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.37 09/02/1994
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