Defence Sublimates Humanity — Comment on the Korean Film “The Attorney”

Abstract

"The Attorney" is a representative film in recent years in South Korea which tells the story of the hero Song Woo-seok, who is transformed from a mercenary lawyer to a democratic fighter who pleads in the name of the people, and finally starts to pursue the path of democracy and freedom. Through five thrilling court defences, the film shows the sublimation of human nature in the struggle from the "little self" who pursues nothing but making a life and get rich to the "great self" who dares to sacrifice himself to fight for people's rights. Taking "The Attorney" as a representative, it can also be seen that there are some common characteristics of Korean films in recent years, such as revelation of the dark side of society, the hope of people in tragedy, and the protagonist's empathetic transformation, etc.