Red Corner (1997)

Overview
"Red Corner" is a 1997 drama thriller movie directed by Jon Avnet and starring Richard Gere, Bai Ling, and Bradley Whitford. The plot is a commentary on the modern political, legal, and human rights concerns in China. Gere plays a ruthless American entrepreneur who discovers himself embroiled in a murder trial in China.

Plot
The movie opens with Jack Moore (Richard Gere), a home entertainment executive visiting Beijing to close a significant deal with Chinese authorities for his company. After a night of festivity and casual sex with a young woman, Hong Ling (Jessey Meng), Moore wakes up to find her dead next to him. He rapidly discovers himself accused of her murder and knotted in the Chinese legal system. Under Chinese law, Moore is considered guilty up until proven innocent.

Trial and Investigation
The Chinese court designates a defense lawyer, Shen Yuelin (Bai Ling), who initially advises Moore to plead guilty expecting leniency. However, Moore maintains his innocence and persuades Yuelin to help him discover the reality. As they investigate, they unearth a complicated web of corruption linking top Chinese officials. Moore's case ends up being a pawn in a power battle in between those who wish to keep the status quo and those preferring judicial reform.

Corruption and Betrayal
Moore finds that the murder he was accused of was managed by Lin Dan (Byron Mann), who Moore was set to close his business offer with. Lin Dan frames Moore to avoid him from finding that Hong Ling, the murder victim, had actually discovered Lin's embezzlement scheme. Lin is in league with the high-ranking Party authorities, Chairman Xu Guangping (Tsai Chin), who will stop at nothing to avoid China's unclean tricks from being exposed.

Climax and Resolution
In a remarkable court setting, Yuelin provides a compelling case versus Lin and Chairman Xu, arguing that her commitment is to look for the fact and justice. However, the hierarchical, state-controlled judiciary shows to be a formidable enemy. In spite of Yuelin's best shots, Moore's case stops working to get a reasonable trial, and he is sentenced to death. In a sudden twist, an anti-corruption probe is released against Lin and Xu, leading to both being detained. Moore's conviction is reversed, saving his life. Yuelin's nerve and determination lead to a psychological campaign for justice in a system that routinely denies it.

Critical Perspective
"Red Corner" is an intense and significant portrayal of a judicial system that is overbearing and ridden with corruption. With its sweeping commentary on political structures, human rights abuses, and corruption in China, it activated controversy upon its release. However, despite its political message, "Red Corner" also prospers in being an interesting legal thriller. The film integrates suspense and political commentary with powerful performances, specifically from Gere and Ling.

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