Rating: 
Summary: Everyone can relate...
Review: No matter where you went to law school, you will find someone in this movie to relate to, and will probably know someone that fits each of the characters on screen. There's the gunner, the snob, the can't-hang, the hard-ass prof., etc. I watched this movie every semester before finals, just to get in the zone. If you haven't been to law school but are thinking about it, and even if you don't go to Harvard, this movie gives you a good glimpse of the types of experiences and people you will likely run into.
Rating:
Summary: socratic inquiry
Review: Professor Kingsfield's use of the socratic method is actually a combination of the traditional socratic approach with the case study method.This approach is still common in many law schools. One of my dear history profs. in college taught socratically, but the approach made demands on the students. Socratic Method is still great for some other disciplines like religious studies, philosophy, and literature. However, the method presupposes an active student, not merely a student has is committed to doing only the minimum required for an A or B.
In the movie, the great John Houseman plays Dr. Kingsfield, the world's leading scholar of contract law. His use of the Socratic method is sadistic and terrifying, but Kingsfield is nothing compared to a real-life showboat judge or irascible judge. Students must survive Kingsfield if they are to make it in the real world of the courtroom. The plotline of the movie follows the first year of student James Hart, who idolizes Kingsfield. Hart's dedication to law is tested when he gets a girlfriend, and then discovers her secret, all while trying to keep up in a frighteningly competitive environment.
Rating:
Summary: It's out dated but who cares
Review: Some kids want to go to Harvard Law school and they pull their hair out trying to study too much. They must learn that getting straight A's in college doesn't really mean anything. No one cares. Go drink and smoke bowls. Go read RANDOM LINGERING IN ISLA VISTA
Rating:
Summary: Anyone who's been to law school should watch.
Review: The amazing thing about this movie is that every single character reminds you of a student in your 1L class, no matter where you went to law school. There's always one guy who is a rote genius but can't hack it as an analyst. There's always some guy who writes a 200-page outline. There's always some guy who thinks his study group is too special to let academic pedestrians get a free ride. And then there's you in the middle. I'm in law school, but I don't think I would know that without this movie.
Rating:
Summary: An Educational Experience
Review: The closest I ever got to Harvard Law School was a graduate class in education law at UC Berkeley. The class was taught by a silver-haired Jesuit, who stood ramrod straight behind his podium at the front of the class and proceded in a manner not unlike John Houseman's Professor Kingsfield. It was only a pale shadow of what is depicted in "The Paper Chase", but it was very enlightening. The way this movie vividly brings back my student days, both the fun and the hard work, is one of the reasons I like it so much. It also shows what people can accomplish.The plot involves a love affair between Hart, a student who idolizes Kingsfield, and Kingsfield's daughter. It has its funny moments, but is somewhat predictable. What elevates this movie is the psychological study of how the different students respond to their situation, some finding it within themselves to persevere while others fall by the wayside. The film also benefits from strong acting, particularly by John Houseman, who is the quintessential Professor Kingsfield. He is outstanding. This is an excellent flick. It delivers a dramatic portrayal of an intense academic experience, while delivering some very funny moments along the way. Sort of like real life, sometimes. The TV series spawned by this movie was also quite good, and it's too bad it didn't last longer on its major network. Anyway, both college students and former college students will find a lot to relate to here. Those whose background isn't academic, though, will also find "The Paper Chase" quite entertaining. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Paper Chase
Review: The Paper Chase is truly an outstanding movie. Much of the greatness of this movie is the performance of John Housemann as the great Professor Charles Kingsfield. Professor Kingsfield comes alive. It is difficult to think of Professor Kingsfield as a fictional figure as a result of Housemann's portrayal. The acting and writing are all quite good. It is a movie I would recommend to everyone. Roger B Baskin
Rating:
Summary: Did anyone watch this film?
Review: There was no "mysterious" relationship between Kingsfield and his daughter. Susan was played by Lindsay Wagner not Diane Wagner. Also Hart was a first year law student he had not graduated yet, the grades were for the completed year, he threw them away to symbolize that he would'nt sacrifice the rest of his life for the goal of financial happiness, however it's evident that he did pass.
Rating:
Summary: The Paper Chase is outstanding!
Review: This is one of the best performances of John Houseman. The movie is thought provoking, pensive, stressful and intellectually rewarding. These are rare combinations for movies made in the last 30 years. It captivates the competitive spirit of an academic setting much akin to what can be seen in great sports movies. You will not regret this choice.
Rating: 
Summary: Waiting For the Series
Review: This is perhaps my favorite film from the seventies, and it's great to have it on DVD. The TV series based on the movie, which started on CBS and continued on Showtime, was quite good as well. John Houseman reprised his most famous role, and James Stephens was excellent as Mr. Hart. I'm hoping that Fox Home Entertainment will some day release at least the first season of the show on DVD. I know there are a lot of fans out there who would really appreciate another look at the continuing story.
Rating:
Summary: Brought memories of Graduate School
Review: This movie brought alot of memories for me. I did not go to Law school but got a master's degree with the same pressures. From the study groups, to the same characters in real life, to the pressures of finals, and the Socratic method of teaching. For me, it was Professor Herman. This is a great film because it succeeds in bringing the characters to life. Especially for those of us that went to Graduate or Law school. Highly recommended.
|
