Last night I watched a 2014 film titled THE JUDGE on Netflix which I recommend for its sensitivity and clarity, particularly at this period in history. It has taken me years to finally appreciate the depth and breadth of Robert Downey Jr.'s performances. Along with Robert Duvall who is "the Judge", each character in the movie is beautifully portrayed particularly Jeremy Strong who plays Robert Downey's intellectually challenged brother exuding an innocence and sensitivity that can make your heart weep at the perpacity of his insights.
This could have been another courtroom drama - with a successful, cynical big-city lawyer son returning to his small Indiana hometown to defend his father who is on trial for actions that could ruin his judicious relationship with the community - but it is more than that.. We are made aware of the love/hate relationship between a perfectionist father and his rebellious, wayward son. Yet there is a tenderness and a spirited machismo to Downey's character; the sunglasses come on and off depending on the persona he is portraying at the moment
THE JUDGE has touched me with its moments of gentleness that penetrate the gloom of anger. Family dynamics are complex.
Definitely worth seeing.
