You’ve probably seen the poster. Denzel Washington in a 1970s-style Afro, wearing oversized glasses and a suit that looks like it hasn’t been pressed since the Carter administration. It looks like a quirky comedy. Maybe a feel-good story about an underdog lawyer?
Wrong.
Roman J. Israel, Esq. is actually one of the most jarring, uncomfortable, and morally messy films Denzel has ever touched. Honestly, it’s a miracle it got made at all. Directed by Dan Gilroy—the guy who gave us the creepy, neon-soaked Nightcrawler—this isn't your typical "hero fights the system" movie. It’s about what happens when the system finally breaks the hero.
The Character Nobody Asked For (But Everyone Needs)
Roman isn't "cool" Denzel. There’s no Training Day swagger here. He’s a legal savant who likely sits somewhere on the autism spectrum, though the film never explicitly says it. He’s spent 40 years in a dusty back office in Los Angeles, writing briefs for a legendary civil rights lawyer who handled all the "people stuff."
Roman has the entire California penal code memorized. He carries a massive briefcase like a shield and listens to jazz on an old iPod with huge, clunky headphones.
Then his partner has a heart attack.
Suddenly, Roman is thrust into the modern world of "hyper-capitalism," as Gilroy calls it. He’s broke. He’s awkward. He tells a group of young activists they should stand up for women, and they call him a sexist. Basically, he’s a man out of time.
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Why the Critics Were So Confused
When the Roman J. Israel, Esq. film hit theaters in 2017, the reviews were all over the place. Some people loved Denzel’s "un-Denzel" performance. Others found the plot thin.
Here’s the thing: the movie actually changed after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Gilroy realized it was too long and the pacing was off, so he cut about 12 minutes. He even moved a key scene with Colin Farrell’s character to earlier in the movie to help the audience understand the stakes.
Even with the edits, the movie is a "moral thriller." That's a fancy way of saying it’s about a guy who decides to do something very, very bad because he’s tired of being a "knight" for people who don't care.
The Turning Point
Roman gets mugged. He’s treated like trash by a prosecutor. He’s fed up. So, he does the unthinkable: he uses confidential information from a client to collect a $100,000 reward for a murder suspect’s location.
He buys a fancy suit. He eats a $500 dinner. He stops eating peanut butter sandwiches in his lonely apartment. It feels good—until the reality of what he’s done starts to rot his soul.
The "Esquire" Meaning You Probably Missed
Ever wonder about the title? Why the "Esq."?
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In the film, Roman explains that "Esquire" is a title that sits above "Gentleman" but below "Knight." He views himself as a crusader. But the world doesn't want crusaders anymore; it wants billable hours.
The name itself is a metaphor.
- Roman: Represents the rigid, cold structure of the law (think Roman Law).
- Israel: Represents the spiritual, moral struggle for justice.
- J: Some fans think it stands for "Justice," or maybe it's just a middle initial.
Regardless, the character is a walking contradiction. He’s a genius who can't figure out how to talk to a woman at a protest without getting yelled at.
Is It Actually Factually Accurate?
Lawyers actually have a love-hate relationship with this movie. Some say it’s the most realistic depiction of the "grind" of the Los Angeles court system ever put on screen.
- The overcrowding of the courts is real.
- The way plea bargaining is used like a factory assembly line is real.
- The "behind the scenes" brief-writer who never sees a courtroom? That’s a real job.
However, some legal experts point out that Roman’s big "sell-out" move—taking the reward money—would be almost impossible to pull off without getting caught immediately by the FBI or the Bar Association. But hey, it's a movie.
What Most People Miss About the Ending
The ending is divisive. Without spoiling the specifics, let's just say it’s not a Hollywood "happily ever after."
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It’s a sacrifice.
Colin Farrell plays George Pierce, a slick, wealthy attorney who eventually becomes Roman’s boss. By the end, George is the one who changes. He sees Roman's "impossible" brief—a massive, years-long project to fix the plea-bargaining system—and realizes that he’s become the very thing Roman hated.
The movie suggests that even if one man fails, his ideas can survive if they find the right host.
How to Watch It Like a Pro
If you’re going to watch (or re-watch) the Roman J. Israel, Esq. film, don't look for a courtroom drama. You won't find a "You can't handle the truth!" moment here.
Instead, watch Denzel's hands. Watch how he fidgets. Watch his "waddle." He spent months preparing for this, even having his teeth "un-capped" to make his smile look more weathered and realistic. It’s a masterclass in character acting that earned him an Oscar nomination, even though the movie itself didn't make much money (it grossed about $13 million on a $22 million budget).
Actionable Insights for Movie Night:
- Look for the symbolism: Notice how Roman's apartment gets smaller as his ego gets bigger.
- Pay attention to the soundtrack: It’s a heavy mix of 70s soul and jazz—the "music of the revolution" that Roman is still living in.
- Compare it to Nightcrawler: Both films are about men obsessed with their "work," but while Lou Bloom is a monster, Roman is a saint who tries to be a monster and fails.
If you're looking for a film that challenges your ethics rather than just entertaining you, this is the one. It’s messy, it’s frustrating, and it’s deeply human. Sorta like the law itself.
To get the most out of your viewing, try to find the "Director's Cut" or the re-edited version that was released wide in theaters. It flows much better than the original festival version. You can find it on most streaming platforms like Amazon Prime or Apple TV, often listed under "Denzel Washington Essentials."