must-watch list for law students

Words by: christina akele

We’ve done it! It’s the last stretch of the university year, but for us law students that means plenty of study and readings to keep us occupied. With this in mind, there is nothing like a classic law-related movie or TV show to get us in the studying mood!

Once again, keep reading for the perfect film to watch after end-of-year exams. This movie, which has absolutely no affiliation with law, is sure to help you recover from SWOT VAC stress, exam-room nerves, and put a smile on your face!

Movies

worth (2020)

It has been 20 years since the tragedy of 9/11 irrevocably changed the course of history. With countless documentaries and films centring on the event, Worth is definitely a mustwatch for law students. Worth ticks all the boxes of a successful drama: It has a fabulous cast and a gripping script exploring themes that remain pertinent to this day.

The film follows the true story of Kenneth Feinberg (Michael Keaton), a lawyer tasked with the role of determining how much money should be distributed to the victims’ families and partners following the terrorist attacks. The film navigates Feinberg’s role, the obstacles he is forced to overcome, and his efforts–as well as the efforts of his colleagues–to ensure that all victims receive as much compensation as possible under the fund. Ultimately, this movie will prompt you to question how much a life is truly worth.

a time to kill (1988)

Finally, a John Grisham novel adaptation on one of these lists! In fairness, this was inevitable. Before I summarise the premise for this film, I would like to warn you that this film does contain some really confronting images regarding rape and violence. Please be conscious of that if you decide to watch this film!

The plot follows young Mississippi lawyer, Jake Brigance (Matthew McConaughey), whose client is Carl Lee Hailey (Samuel L. Jackson), an African-American man living in a town plagued by racism and racial prejudice; on trial for the murder of two men who brutally raped and almost killed his ten-year-old daughter. The film follows Jake’s journey throughout the trial and documents how it not only impacts his life professionally, but his personal life also. The story is emotional—and devastating at times—but through this emotion it highlights the importance of unwavering resilience in the face of injustice and adversity.

a cry in the dark (1988)

Once again, a disclaimer in regard to this film, which also deals with confronting content. This movie tells the true story of Lindy Chamberlain (Meryl Streep) and her family, whose lives are irreversibly changed when their daughter, Azaria, is killed by a dingo while the family is camping near Uluru. While not technically a legal film, the movie shows the trial and explores the extreme media attention faced by the

Chamberlains, as well as the intense public scrutiny directed towards Lindy Chamberlain in particular. Overall, this film—through a well-written script and talented acting—really provides some context regarding the aftermath of the tragic and infamous event that took place at Uluru. Students interested in criminal law, especially Australian criminal law, should definitely give this film a watch!

tv show

Impeachment: American Crime Story (2021)

I started watching this show recently and all I can say is that I am absolutely hooked! Like The People vs OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, this Ryan-Murphy produced series focuses on one of America’s most famous trials (which gripped the world): The impeachment of former US President Bill Clinton. The TV Show covers the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, which prompted an intense investigation, leading to charges (including that of perjury) being made against Clinton. Ultimately this resulted in his impeachment trial. With a powerhouse cast: Including, Beanie Feldstein as Monica Lewinsky and Sarah Paulson, who gives a truly compelling performance; transforming into Linda Tripp (the woman who famously secretly recorded conversations with Lewinsky, who in turn, believed Tripp to be a friend and confidante).

On the whole, this series is quite compelling. It looks at these historical events through a unique lens, which may make us question or change the way we look at the famous scandal.

MAMMA MIA! (2008)

What do you get when you combine a beloved jukebox-musical, based on the iconic songs by Swedish pop-group ABBA, and a star-studded cast? Mamma Mia!

For those who do not know the premise of this wonderfully vibrant movie-musical (I would be genuinely surprised if you didn’t), it follows over-worked single-mother, Donna Sheridan (played by none other than Meryl Streep), who runs a run-down hotel on the beautiful and unfortunately fictional Greek Island, “Kalokairi”. Soon to be married, her daughter, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), finds her mother’s diary and secretly discovers that she has three potential fathers (played by Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård) who Donna has not seen in 20 years; only for her to invite them to the island for her wedding. Mayhem ensues, but this just enhances the film’s positivity, comedy, and choreographed dance numbers that will no doubt leave you with a smile.

In any event, this film is possibly the best movie to watch to unwind. Forget about studying and prepare for the summer holidays!