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The Prosecutor [Film Review]

The prosecutor

The movie opens with an electrifying action sequence shot in first-person perspective. Donnie Yen plays Jian Wen, a decorated former police officer who left the force after a tragic case where an innocent man was killed due to misinformation. Haunted by guilt, Jian becomes a prosecutor, determined to uncover the truth and fight for justice within the legal system. For the first scene it makes me a little bit dizzy because of the camera angle. They make it as we played a video game.

The central plot revolves around Lin Hao (played by rising star Aaron Kwok), a struggling delivery driver who gets entangled in a drug trafficking case. When a routine stop by the police results in the discovery of drugs in his vehicle, Lin swears he’s been framed. The case seems airtight. Surveillance footage, planted evidence, and a confession extracted under duress paint Lin as guilty.

Jian, who initially takes the case as just another routine prosecution, starts to suspect something is amiss when Lin’s story and body language don’t align with the “facts.” Jian’s investigative instincts kick in, leading him to reexamine the evidence. His former partner, Detective Zhang Wei (played by Nicholas Tse), warns him not to dig too deep, suggesting that Jian’s pursuit of the truth could stir up dangerous forces within the police department.

As Jian delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy involving high-ranking officials, including his old police captain. The drug cartel behind the trafficking ring has been paying off corrupt officers to pin their crimes on innocent scapegoats. Jian’s investigation is further complicated by Zhang, who has divided loyalties between his old friendship with Jian and his duty to the department.

The courtroom scenes form the backbone of the movie’s legal drama. Jian, now representing Lin, clashes with the sharp and ruthless prosecutor Mei Ling (played by Kara Wai), who is determined to secure a conviction at any cost. The verbal sparring between Jian and Mei Ling is intense, but Jian’s evidence is initially dismissed as circumstantial.

To prove Lin’s innocence, Jian resorts to unconventional tactics. This leads to several high-stakes action sequences, including a rooftop chase and a warehouse fight where Jian must defend himself from cartel enforcers. The fight choreography highlights Donnie Yen’s signature mix of fluid martial arts and gritty realism.

The climax takes place in both the courtroom and a simultaneous operation to bust the cartel. Jian presents a surprise witness an undercover officer who exposes the corruption within the police force. Meanwhile, Zhang makes a pivotal decision to side with Jian and takes part in the takedown of the cartel, redeeming himself in the process.

The movie ends with Lin Hao being exonerated, but Jian’s victory comes at a cost. His relentless pursuit of justice alienates him from his former colleagues, and he decides to step away from the legal system altogether. In a poignant final scene, Jian visits the family of the man who died in the earlier case that haunted him, seeking closure and forgiveness.

The Prosecutor closes on a bittersweet note, with Jian walking away from both the police force and the prosecutor’s office, symbolizing his realization that justice sometimes requires operating outside the system.

⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

January 15, 2025

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book

The light Jar by Lisa Thompson [Book Review]

The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson is a poignant, thoughtful, and beautifully crafted middle-grade novel that explores themes of resilience, friendship, mental health, and healing.

The story follows Nate, a young boy who finds himself hiding in a dilapidated, abandoned cottage in the woods after his mother takes him away from an abusive relationship. Left to fend for himself when his mother mysteriously disappears, Nate must confront his fears, loneliness, and uncertainty. Along the way, he encounters two unlikely companions: a quirky girl named Kitty, who is on her own quest to solve a local mystery, and his imaginary friend, Sam, who reappears to help Nate process the challenges he's facing.

Throughout the book you will find out a few theme that been expose by the author such as Empathetic. Lisa Thompson skillfully addresses complex issues like emotional abuse, neglect, and loneliness in a way that is sensitive and accessible to younger readers. Through Nate’s journey, the novel sheds light on how children process trauma and cope in difficult circumstances. Lisa also create an imaginary Friend as a Coping Mechanism. You can it when Sam, Nate's imaginary friend, is a unique and compelling element of the story. His presence serves as a window into Nate's inner world, providing insight into how he navigates his fears and unresolved emotions. This adds a layer of depth and creativity to the narrative.

For me the book starts off a little slowly, which might make it challenging for some younger readers to immediately get drawn in. However, the pace picks up as the story progresses. The deeper you are in this book, you will understand the relation of the power of hope and light in dark times. This book also using the importance of friendship and teach us how to overcoming fears and embracing inner strength.

My final thoughts that The Light Jar is an emotionally rich and beautifully written novel that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of hardship. It's a perfect read for middle-grade readers who enjoy heartfelt stories with a touch of mystery and adventure. Adults will also find it meaningful, as it offers insights into how children process and heal from difficult experiences. This book is perfect for fans of books like A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness or The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐