Richard Gere isn't usually among my favorite actors, yet his work here stands out as notably good. He portrays "Vail," an attorney who’s skilled at helping his clients—those involved in criminal activity—avoid punishment. The story shifts when the violent murder of an archbishop becomes public knowledge, prompting him to take on a case representing the accused, a young man named "Aaron" (Ed Norton), against the legal challenges of his former girlfriend, "Janet" (Laura Linney). As the courtroom scenes progress, it becomes clear that there are deeper issues at play, questioning not only who committed the crime but also the reputation of the deceased and those around him. Ultimately, Norton carries much of the film's weight; as his character evolves with guidance from a thoughtful psychologist, "Molly" (Frances McDormand), the actor portrays some unusual aspects of his personality exceptionally well. A significant amount is revealed in the final portion of the movie, leading to an ending that feels surprising and strangely appropriate. The runtime could be trimmed, and it requires roughly thirty minutes before things really begin to pick up; however, once the story gains momentum, it becomes a compelling crime thriller filled with unexpected developments and solid acting across the board.

Source on TMDB