The Defendant
The Defendant

Movie spotlight

The Defendant

1985
Movie
90 min
Russian

Anton Skulov, a war invalid, shot a drunk young man with a hunting rifle who climbed into his garden and ruined rare flowers that his wife, a war veteran, had grown before her death. The investigation was short-lived, the accused immediately admitted his guilt and was ready to stand trial, having already convicted himself of the murder.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Peter WernerGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A successful defense attorney finds her life spiraling out of control when she becomes the target of a vindictive former client. After being framed for a crime she didn't commit, she must fight for her freedom and reputation against a relentless adversary. The film explores themes of justice, revenge, and the psychological toll of being wrongly accused.

Critical Reception

The Defendant was a made-for-television movie that received a mixed to positive reception, primarily for its suspenseful plot and Victoria Principal's performance. While not a major critical event, it was seen as a competently made thriller that delivered on its premise of legal intrigue and personal peril.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful narrative and fast pacing.

  • Victoria Principal's lead performance was frequently highlighted as a strong point.

  • Some critics found the plot predictable but acknowledged its effectiveness as a TV thriller.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this made-for-television movie is not widely available through standard Google user review aggregations.

Fun Fact

Victoria Principal, known for her role in the hit TV series 'Dallas,' also served as an executive producer for 'The Defendant.'

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