TotalTelly.co.uk
Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV
The Advocate [1994] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
![The Advocate [1994] (REGION 1) (NTSC)](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AQ68V5MXL._SL160_.jpg)
Our Price: £3.08 (subject to change)
If you havent seen this little known film you are in for a real treat.....
Review date: 2008-06-28 Rating: 10 out of 10
One of those films that few seems to have heard of, didnt seem to get any press coverage, didnt appear to get released in the cinema and nobody ever mentions- even though it has an all star cast -yet a true masterpiece. Though such an unusual plot the film has a very authentic and convincing feel to it- it is based on true court cases in medieval France where animals were tried for breaking the law- in this case a pig for the murder of a child-and tried by city lawyer (Firth) who comes to the French countryside with great idealistic ambitions. Firth is excellent as the young fresh faced lawyer as is Jim Carter as his dry sarcastic assistant. Ian Holm, Donald Pleasance and Nicol Williamson give the rural establishment powers real weight while retaining all of its curious idiosyncracies. Through subtle use of suspicion, corruption and superstition The Hour of the Pig develops a rather eerie and claustrophic tension punctuated by some very funny but dark humour.
As far as I can tell, it has only been released in dvd format for Region 1 (USA) under the obvious title 'The Advocat'- which doesnt really capture the quality and uniqueness of 'Hour of The Pig'- typical of the strange elusive obscurity surrounding this superb film. A must see!
Similar Products
- Apartment Zero [1988] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Valmont [1990]
- Tumbledown [1988]
- And When Did You Last See Your Father? [2007]
- Hope Springs [2003]
Reviews
Five-star film, DVD not so great
Review date: 2008-04-29 Rating: 8 out of 10
There are three cuts of "The Hour of the Pig" - the original 117 minutes, the 114 minute US theatrical release (cut for content by puritanical censors) - and this butchered version, at a mere 102 minutes. Plot development has been sacrificed for pace, making it difficult to follow; it's not quite in the league of what was done to "The Wicker Man", but it's still philistinism.
That said, a very fine film still shines through - brilliantly written, designed and acted by all concerned. Why this is not better known, I can't understand. If possible, see the long version: but certainly, see it.
Great!!!
Review date: 2004-09-10 Rating: 10 out of 10
A film great that is high on humour as well as the darker sides of life. The plot is good and the end has a grim twist. That this film is not better know when others with half its charm get wider exposure is odd. The plot is based on some real legal problems that were encountered in French law at that age and the results are comic and cruel
An Unkown Little Gem
Review date: 2001-04-06 Rating: 8 out of 10
Nobody's ever heard of this movie...Don't know why, because it's great! A rich atmosphere, a good plot, a causit wit, and a brilliant soundtrack by The Dufay Collective. It's not the greatest film ever made, but it is extremely pleasant to watch, with a true 'Medieval' atmosphere and a real shock ending. I highly recommend it.
Medieval Paris lawyer finds out simple county life is a myth
Review date: 2000-03-23 Rating: 10 out of 10
A well crafted piece of Medieval French history in which a sophisticated Paris based lawyer decides to leave the capital and work in the heart of rural France and a simpler way of life. His first case is something of a puzzle, as he set to defend a pig which is being tried for murder. The Lawyer played by Colin Firth Quickly finds that life in the country is not as he expected His triumphs are balanced by his sheer delightful wrongful assumptions which inevitably he resigns himself to. The movie has a dark humanistic vein running all the way through it of superstition and manipulation, the conclusion of the film is not too be missed. with superb supporting acting, and a great story line.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Ian Holm
Nicol Williamson
Donald Pleasence
Amina Annabi
Colin Firth
Creators:
Colin Firth (Primary Contributor)
Ian Holm (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Miramax
Manufacturer: Miramax
EAN: 0786936220254
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Closed-captioned, Colour, DVD-Video, NTSC,
Release date: 2003-07-01
Universal product code (UPC): 786936220254
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Region code: 1
Running time: 102 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1994-08-24
Language: English (Original Language)