Is Pro Bono Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2014)

📖 The Core Premise

Pro Bono stands as a 2014 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the various landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A young, mentally retarded boy is wrongfully accused of murder, but his family lacks the means to hire an attorney to defend him. The boy’s sister, Kiriko, pleads with an accomplished attorney named Otsuka to defend her brother pro bono. But because of Otsuka’s busy schedule and other priorities, he refuses to take the case. Lacking a proper defense, Kiriko’s brother is eventually convicted of murder, and dies in prison. From that point on, Kiriko is determined to take revenge against Otuska."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Pro Bono, Maki Horikita delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good cinema. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Pro Bono worth your time? If you appreciate various films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Pro Bono is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 109 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.