A Guilty Conscience (2023) User Reviews

The most absurd trial ever

[Dunkaccino · 6/10 · 21 January 2023]

A Guilty Conscience has some of the most absurd, implausible courtroom scenes I have ever seen. The climax is so dramatic that it makes soap operas look grounded. It looks like the most exhausting trial ever. Lawyers shout at each other as if they are in a heated debate contest.

Our protagonist is the lawyer version of Doctor House: A bitter, talky person that solves cases in his own way. He is played by Dayo Wong, who used to be an infamous box office poison. Here he is better than ever (This doesn't mean he is great). The start of the plot is standard legal drama material (Think a Law and Order episode). Wong fails a big case involving a child's death, causing harm to an innocent person. Two years later the case returns... Yes, a Guilty Conscience recycles an ancient "redemption arc" story, yet it is done in a gloriously entertaining way.

None of the story is believable. They exist in an overwritten screenplay. Despite looking like and sounding like one, this is not a screwball comedy. Although when you think about it, certain parts are funny for the wrong reasons. The sudden rise of absurdity leaves me with a mixed feeling, but I sure am entertained.

NOTE: If you're planning to see this in theaters, be aware that the audio mixing is obnoxiously terrible. The dialogue is so loud, and gets covered by the even more deafening music. I felt like the lawyers were shouting beside my ears during the trial.

A Guilty Conscience

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 11 February 2023]

"Adrian Lam" (Dayo Wong) is a magistrate who doesn't really care about his job. He gets a bit of a shock, though, when his new boss sends him back to the benches where he must, again, actually practice law. It's here, after a night on the booze, that he turns up to defend a woman charged with the negligent homicide of her young son. A combination of his laziness, incompetence and his hangover leaves this woman hung out to dry when one of the witnesses - from whom he didn't get a written deposition - changes his story. Off to jail she goes and into a maelstrom of despair goes he before the guilt starts to kick in, and he decides to get his act together. His co-defending counsel "Evelyn" from the original trial (Renci Yeung) and he decide to try and convince the convicted "Jolene" (Louise Wong) to let them work on an appeal and the remainder of this rather flat courtroom drama follows their efforts. It starts off quite entertainingly, with a bit of a tetchy dynamic between the lawyers and to be fair, Dayo Wong is quite proficient as the bored and rather indolent lawyer. Sadly, though, once the ship is all upright again, the story becomes one of rather predicable family intrigue and power-broking that exposes us to many from a supporting cast that are as unremarkable as the dialogue. The photography has something of a television feature to it and the denouement, though quite lively paced - well you can see that coming from space. At 2¼ hours it is also far too long with just not enough meat on the story to sustain it. Perhaps a more judiciously cut edit and a few fewer side-stories might have made it more of a watchable "Perry Mason" style drama, but as it is - I was a bit bored by the end.

Fun movies but don't take too seriously

[cfy · 7/10 · 28 January 2023]

It's a Happy Chinese New Year movie and seems to be meant for fun. The 2.5hrs passed quickly and I didn't nap in the middle which is a mark of a good movie for me.

There are gags and chuckles and a chance to see the rich get eaten by us "normal" people. A fight against the ills we suspect the "other side" does, and gives you enough fuel and reason to keep fighting the good fight in this coming new year.

Dayo Wong carries the story believably but then when you leave, you wonder, could that really happen?

Just take it as fun. The plot has many things that don't make sense but don't worry, you're on the right side!

Sulk in disappointment

[dumsumdumfai · 7/10 · 6 October 2023]

Obviously this movie has an alternative motive. It's a complaint to the system but over the top, almost as if in sulking anger and disenchantment. Maybe disillusioned as well.

Supposedly based on a real life case but this court room drama takes a life on its own. I like the acting of the crown lawyer much better as he's a bit more restrained. But then that's the counter to the defending lawyer.

The case is about a cover-up really. Of rich family blaming the poor or underprivileged. It's not bad, but probably picks up what the sentiment of the general population. So kind of court room Rocky. A feel good movie. So don't expect any logic in the arguments , or any legal sense or the court proceedings to be accurate in any stretch. It's all for dramatic effect.

One of the rare HK movies in recent years that is worth watching

[bvmjdt · 10/10 · 26 January 2023]

The script/plot, the acting and the pacing of the movie are top notch. It does a very good job in not reviewing the key plot until the very end. A climax is built up till the final showdown in the courtroom.

It certainly does not feel like a 2.25h movie and it's entertaining from the start till the end. Much effort has been put into crafting the dialogue between the barristers which does not make it corny but totally refreshing.

Feels like one of the very good HK movie in its golden era in the 80s. It deserves a film award and best actor award.

A 10 clap production.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

This review comes from Singapore.

A psuedo "Feel good" movie that unfortunately has way too many holes

[sprayeddog-44263 · 7/10 · 11 February 2023]

This movie is marketed as a movie that make the average Joe (especially if you were a Hong Kong citizen) "feel good". I'd say, to a certain extent, mission accomplished ... but with lots and lots of flaws.

It's ironic the protaganist, Dayo Wang's character talks about "Common sense" in the court scenes in this movie, because common sense is exactly what this movie really lacks. A good story should have surprises and twists, that much is true, but the twists gotta be within the boundaries defined by common sense and logic. That is, unfortunately, where this movie fails.

It tries SO HARD to create a rich vs poor contrast. And how the rich can literally run the table even in the courthose, to a point all the common sense gets thrown out of the window. But you have to remember, at the end of the day, the entire movie is based on a court case, and the courthouse has rules and governance. How can the prosecutor just flat out asks questions that accuses his own witness? Why would the judge allow the laywers to freely give a 5 min monologue of their own sentiments unrelated to the case? Why is there no order in court?

And the case has plenty of holes in it too, common sense is twisted, basic logic is bent, just to create this big contrast between the rich and powerful vs the poor and helpless. The rich use their political power to keep Dayo Wong in police custody, and then at 11th hour he just gave up the name of the PI and the police would let him go? Really? That's it?

The movie has the right intentions, it rallys the emotion of the average Joe's in the society who feel so powerless vs. The rich in Hong Kong. It sure has its moments too. Yet at the end of the day, the foundation which the movie tension is built upon is simply way too fictious, it ignores defined court and society laws and procedures, it just feels forced and childish.

The Greatest Courtroom Drama of the Twenty-First Century

[kluseba · 10/10 · 23 January 2023]

A Guilty Conscience is an absolutely stunning courtroom drama and thriller from Hongkong that already qualifies as an early candidate for movie of the year.

This movie simply gets everything right. First of all, the characters are absolutely intriguing. You have a cold-hearted femme fatale who believes she is above the law. Up next, there is her weak, shallow and despicable husband who turns out to be a liar and a cheater. On the other side, you have a creative young mute girl who suffers more than any human should ever do. There is also her desperate mother who gets sentenced for a crime she obviously didn't commit and thinks about suicide time and again. Said lady is supported by a team of barristers. One of them is the son of an imprisoned gang leader who has seen both sides of the law. Up next, you have a young, incorruptible and ambitious woman who wants to build a successful career. And finally, you have this movie's main character, an aged barrister tormented by greed and recognition who is going through significant changes to fight for the hopeless and the poor.

All these wonderful characters wouldn't come to life without excellent actresses and actors and they all deliver the goods and then some. Wong Chi-Wah in particular impresses as versatile, profound and balanced lead character as the veterans convinces with all his charisma, credibility and experience.

The plot is absolutely gripping from start to finish as the movie doesn't include one single second of boredom throughout its satisfactory running time of two hours and fifteen minutes. The story revolves around a mute girl who was assaulted in her own home and tragically dies a few days later at the hospital. Her mother was drunk and sleeping on a couch in the neighbouring room before she realized that something was wrong and saw the girl's father trying to help his daughter next door. The mother's barrister thinks that this is an easy case to win for his client but his obsession with alcohol, drugs and recognition come into play as his case turns into tragedy and sends the innocent mother to prison for seventeen years. Ridden by guilt, the barrister tries to motivate his disappointed male colleague and his upset female colleague to right the wrong. After two long years, that opportunity arrises when a key witness confesses in his suicide note that he was bribed to make a false statement to send the mother to prison. This time around, the barrister and his team try to give it everything they have got to free an innocent woman and go against one of the city's most influential families.

Another strength of this film is its excellent mixture of genres. This is first and foremost a tense courtroom thriller. However, this movie is also a desperate family drama. This film however also interjects a few mild action scenes and elements of humour at the right moments to keep its pace gripping and steady.

Most importantly, this film has a profoundly human message that can also be seen as a metaphor for the current state of affairs in Hongkong. This message will resonate with viewers long after the credits will have stopped rolling. This message will even shake up the toughest of the tough and bring some tears to their eyes.

Don't hesitate any longer and watch this wonderful movie as soon as you can. Try to catch it on the big screen to appreciate it in its full beauty or purchase it once it's available to support these wonderful filmmakers. Anyone who appreciates excellent dramas or thrillers should definitely watch this moving masterpiece and early candidate for movie of the year. Make sure to watch this film all the way to the end since there are some additional scenes during the credits and a wonderful Lunar New Year wish from the most important actresses and actors. Since this is the Year of the Rabbit, I would like to wish you all to jump further and higher this year to make your wildest dreams come true.

Fun but don't take it too seriously or it will become absurd

[gogoal1 · 6/10 · 15 February 2023]

Watchable, has a classic commercial enjoyable film structure (the second half of the trial in the theatre when someone applauded wow, to be so exaggerated ...) plot is still relatively dramatic, justice is through the luck of coincidence down to earth, understand the super high box office in Hong Kong, a kind of injustice to hold the gas out in the cinema it (also subtly fit the now hostile to the rich mood may also be good at the mainland box office). Huang Xielin is still good-looking, and Wang Danni Liao Ziyu is more than expected good (Miss Zhong is abominable, but Fish is magnificent). But there are two lines I think are not right: TK persuaded the Fang family army to forgive Lin Lianshui, and Fang Lin persuaded Zeng Jie'er to reappoint them. The content of speech is too male-centred discomfort. Fang, Zeng's feelings or interests are the focus of these two persuasions and should be considered.

The dramatic twist is set too quickly, and the case trial is also very brown, forensic, and police matters for lawyers to do, and not many venomous lawyers, but very speech talent. Xie Junhao's role is also a very rigid transformation. More gratifying is Zihua's Cantonese spit clear, slow, and excellent understanding.

A ROARING subliminal message maintaining the Spirit of true Hong Kongers!

[ACDC1986 · 10/10 · 23 January 2023]

In true poignant fashion illustrating the hurt and pain endured by Hong Kongers.

Perfectly paints the current political climate against a tyrannical regime and its blatant infiltration into the judicial system in what was once a highly touted and respected legal system that sought to seek a fair and impartial trials for all. The fall of a flourishing former British Colony....a battle cry for the ages against internal injustices compromised by greed and power.

Superb acting by Dayo Wong and supporting cast. A palatable performance that transitions with sprinkled comedic effect throughout, but does not stray from an important message and underlying theme- a guilty conscience.

Certain moments are sensationalized for entertainment effect and don't represent reality ie) a lawyers professional demeanor. Otherwise a brilliant and entertaining legal drama from start to finish.

10/10.

Cinema Omnivore - A Guilty Conscience (2023) 7.1/10

[lasttimeisaw · 7/10 · 3 August 2023]

"As a vehicle for Dayo Wong, a perennially popular Hong Kong stand-up comedian whose film credits are sparse, A GUILTY CONSCIENCE consciously aligns itself to Wong's comedic tonality and eloquence. The whole shebang is about a man with a good conscience fighting against the insurmountable plutocratic pressure and righting his own wrongs, a time-honored road-to-redemption trajectory that no real surprise is primed, even the case itself is self-evident in mid stream via a flashback. What hooks audience is the anticipation to see how those moneyed, callous bastards to be vanquished despite of their insuperable privileges, and Ng's film doesn't disappoint in this regard, in particular when the senior prosecutor (Tse Kwan-Ho, inimitably august and inscrutably righteous) shifts his ground and lays into the culprit, although juridically speaking, some of the elocution smacks of fanfaronade, tailored to create some semblance of a rousing contentment which has been deployed ad nauseam in similar situations, at the end of the day, justice must prevails, and audience feel good about it. In a sense, A GUILTY CONSCIENCE's crowd-pleasing felicity actually mirrors THE SPARRING PARTNER's flinty gaze upon the society's underside, both are justifiable for their own conception, but the latter requests some mettle to forge through."

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Amazing legal movie

[Jf12345 · 9/10 · 2 February 2023]

First, there is a strong plot to support this movie. A half time of this movie shows the challenge and conflicts that are faced by the protagonist. Every challenge gives the protagonist more passion and determination to find justice. And the rest of the half time is the climax of this movie because the protagonist challenges the legal system in the courtroom.

Second, good reflection of the main character makes the audiences have more empathy for the protagonist. The story set different turning points to show the changes of the main character to make the audience more understand his emotions, behaviors, and motivations and realize what he stands for.

I think it is a HK movie that is worth watching because it not just have a strong plot to tell a good story and also shows the reflection of the protagonist to defend justice.

unrealistic plot

[TheBigSick · 17 June 2023]

The plot of A Guilty Conscience is a bit unrealistic at times. For example, it is hard to believe that a single mother would be able to afford a top-notch defense attorney, especially in Hong Kong, where the cost of living is so high. Additionally, the way that the attorney is able to uncover the truth about the woman's innocence is a bit too convenient.

Here are some specific examples of the unrealistic plot:

The single mother is able to afford a top-notch defense attorney, even though she is not wealthy.

The attorney is able to uncover the truth about the woman's innocence in a very short amount of time.

The police are not able to find any evidence that the woman is guilty.

Average court drama thriller..!

[kamalbeeee · 6/10 · 1 January 2024]

A girl kid got killed in her house and suspected was her own mother... But her mother refused to confess that she killed her own daughter... Then a recently got deprecated judge to lawyer starts to investigate and find the real killer... Good twists and turns... One time watchable movie..!

A girl kid got killed in her house and suspected was her own mother... But her mother refused to confess that she killed her own daughter... Then a recently got deprecated judge to lawyer starts to investigate and find the real killer... Good twists and turns... One time watchable movie..!

A girl kid got killed in her house and suspected was her own mother... But her mother refused to confess that she killed her own daughter... Then a recently got deprecated judge to lawyer starts to investigate and find the real killer... Good twists and turns... One time watchable movie..!

Boring Nasty Laundry Cash

[taurushulk · 1/10 · 19 January 2024]

That how it gone. Possibly the worst film ever, apart from the sequence, that was restaged. This is just another commercial that been funded by tobacco company. It's about a smoking, boring, nasty, vomit, moron, lunatic and a rather bland mans. Sleepy, nonsense, with too many boring and meaningless long shots. Totally nonsense, unconcious, moaning for no reason. Quite boring waste of time and money at triple speed to watch, short-sighted, trivial, tasteless, lengthy. See nothing, naive & childish from his body of work, the reason for wasting everyone's time on a conductor has something to do with vomitting.

Captivating premise. Lower your expectations.

[accordchiang · 7/10 · 15 April 2023]

Contrary to the fun trailers of this movie, the movie itself is quite serious.

The main cast consists of many A-list actors and actresses that dazzled in their respective roles. Personally, Michael Fitzgerald Wong caught my attention and outperformed the rest. His role as legal advisor of the Chung family is just so natural.

Dayo Wong is more widely known for his roles that have comedic elements. However, it is safe to say that he has done a good job here as the guilty conscience lawyer.

Although the plot keeps you eager to follow what happens next, there are times where the storyline becomes a tad too cliché and a bit boring. The unexpected ending is a major highlight, but dampened by the somewhat unrealistic courtroom finale.

Honestly, I had expected more from Hong Kong's highest grossing film of all time. It is among one of Hong Kong's greatest courtroom movies, but unfortunately not one of its greatest films.

The best court movie ever seen

[ryanmo-35178 · 9/10 · 24 January 2023]

This movie is about Wong, who once was a lazy judge, and became a lawyer again. However, due to his fault, the woman was misjudged to kill her daughter and was sentenced for 17 years. Two years later, he was given a chance to prove her innocence and he tried his best to save her. There were not too many scenes, but the plot is really good as he used all his spirit to fight against the Chung family, which is the strongest family in HK (they have a retired chief lawyer and 40 existing lawyers to help them). He used to try to contact the rich but later found that he should handle the guilty instead. What a nice movie with nice talking. You won't feel bored!

Duk Sit Dak Jong / A Guilty Conscience (2023) is an engrossing story

[damienbentley-47543 · 7/10 · 27 November 2023]

Duk Sit Dak Jong / A Guilty Conscience (2023) is an engrossing story that envelopes the viewer through its highly involved characters and the resulting courtroom dramas that unfold due to the attitude an behaviour of a rather lazes fere Hong Kong Lawyer, who simply takes the job with ease and an over comfortable laziness in his approach to the law cases that cross his desk.

This particular lawyer and his colleagues try to save an innocent woman after his carelessness causes her lose the case ending up with a very unfair conviction, which creates the guilty conscience within himself, thereby pushing him to make some big changes not only within his life and approach to his legal position but to the larger scope of things where he can see how his action or inaction directly affect others negatively no thanks to his unscrupulous work ethic and lackluster approach to justice, instead of being astute, we see him basically just phoning-in a half-assed attempt at putting any real effort into following up his cases.

He learns to drop the arrogance and take on a more empathetic approach, once he is shaken up through a variety of details that come to the surface.

Brilliantly acted and not just another run of the mill, tyical Hong Kong movie ~ this film begs to be watched by all who love a solid courtroom drama that verges on being a thriller.

Definitely see it, and watch it with an open mind. Having lived in GuangDong Province for 8 years of my life, surrounded by Cantonese culture, this film greatly appealed to me from a Cultural viewpoint, with the wonderfully familiar accents, personas, characters, situations, scenery, locations, language and local cultural aspects at the fore of the film throughout, which i found very pleasing and enjoyable indeed.

However, whether you are familiar or unfamiliar with Hong Kong, Macau, GuangDong Province or Cantonese Culture in general, THIS is still a highly recommendable movie and a must-see film for court-room drama/thriller fans. No matter what culture you are from, this film is essentially about finding humanity, compassion and empathy within ourselves!

A story and script written with a heart

[kin-7 · 10/10 · 16 February 2023]

Some Hong Kong movies may have their story and scripts written in 2 days, or 3. You know, just a movie out there and people will come see the actors and actresses because there is nothing better to do.

This movie is one that has its story and scripts written with a heart. The acting is mostly great. If most people in the world are like this, we indeed have a world that we live our lives and leave this world and think "I thank for the life I have lived for."

Dayo Wong entered the "Chinese New Year" movie market, and it originally fit the "well, let's go see a movie because there is nothing better to do" (most of the stores are closed during Chinese New Year). So some of his movies were not that great... but this one is totally different. What a surprise. You have got my respect, Dayo.

A rare enjoyable entry in Hong Kong cinema

[Ynocrozplatfom · 7/10 · 19 February 2023]

When regarding this movie as just a detective/court case story, there is no way that the movie could stand on its own merits given the manner of how the case rolled out. No society would allow such neglect in the police solving a criminal/murder case and such extravaganza in front of the law. Yet, the movie managed to achieved its aim in social commentary notwithstanding the above, potentially overriding flaws, albeit via show and sensation. Sprinkled in with effective humour that does not affect the overall tone, this is a movie that can make you steer clear of all its hiccups and enjoy the story as the movie carries the audience along, which itself is a huge win.

Daft but entertaining feel-good movie

[dorothybishop-12911 · 9/10 · 10 February 2023]

It was a shame that this was showing for just one day in one cinema in Oxford UK- as a special for Chinese New Year. I found it very entertaining and think it deserves a wider audience.

The plot is highly implausible but grabs your attention, and the theatricality of the courtroom scenes is fun, even if unrealistic. The transformation of the main character from idle, careless lawyer to passionate defender of truth is nicely depicted.

There are moments when I laughed out loud, and the ending was very satisfactory. The stranglehold of a few ultra-wealthy Hong Kong families who think they are above the law is well-depicted and the theme of the weak succeeding by cunning against the strong is very satisfying.

Solidly entertaining courtroom drama; Dayo Wong shines in his best role yet

[ObsessiveCinemaDisorder · 8/10 · 2 February 2023]

A Guilty Conscience is a solidly entertaining courtroom drama featuring a strong ensemble cast and Dayo Wong in a dream-come-true leading man role that distinctly showcases his strengths as an actor first, and comedian second.

This is a serious legal drama with occasional laughs peppered in and distinctly not a comedy. It's the perfect vehicle for Dayo Wong, who beneath his philosophizing stand-up persona, is a character actor at heart yearning for the perfect role. Now, he's found that role and shines in it. It's a great follow-up to last year's Table For Six, continuing Dayo Wong's recent acting renaissance.

Adrian Lam, a government small claims magistrate who is tired of his lowly position, switches careers as a lawyer at his friend's popular law firm. Through gross negligence in his first case, Adrian causes his client Jolene Tsang to be sentenced to 17 years in prison for the manslaughter of her daughter Elsa.

When new evidence presents itself, a guilt-ridden Adrian seeks to right his wrongs and applies for a retrial to prove Jolene's innocence.

The cast does a great job and works together with synergy. Everybody plays their part well and individually have a moment to shine.

Louise Wong, in her second role since playing Anita Mui, was great as the wrongfully accused Jolene, showing promise as an actress. Renci Yeung projects intelligence and makes a convincing young lawyer as Evelyn, Adrian's co-counsel.

Tse Kwan Ho adds gravitas as the law-abiding government prosecutor representing the people squaring off against Dayo Wong, setting up an interesting triangular dynamic in the court trial. It's different from the usual prosecution versus defence dynamic.

Even Michael Wong, who normally scrapes my ears, made a great villain.

Jack Ng Wai-lun, the writer of Anita and Men on the Dragon, makes his directorial debut. He manipulates the audience skilfully through careful management of the tone.

Ng sets up the story and characters seriously, putting you into the plight of costing someone a 17 year jail sentence and also, what it feels like to be wrongfully accused of murdering your own child.

By the third act, the trial plays like a momentous sports event that has everyone on the edge of their seats.

There's a distinct moment where Dayo Wong's lawyer behaves outside of what a lawyer would be able to act in a courtroom trial. This shift doesn't make logical sense, but it makes emotional sense because the audience is 100% behind Wong, rooting for him to win.

This is how Jack Ng Wai-lun uses comedy, literally as a force for good to mock the unjust. The laughs release all the built-up emotions and it's satisfying to be a part of it. I recommend seeing it in a theater with a packed audience.

There's an air in the climate right now, perhaps from COVID or world news, that is creating a desire to see justice served. A Guilty Conscience satisfies that desire well... in a holiday viewing type way.

Amazing movie with minor flaws

[jindann · 9/10 · 29 July 2023]

Certainly one of the best movies in hk since recent years, the beginning was kind of dull and unconvincing, but at the end the movie pulled together with good twists and intensity. I enjoy Dayo Wong shows for his comedy and integrity, but he was kind of overacted when it comes to movies, which needs to be a bit more subtle and down to earth to meet with the reality, but in spite with all the flaws he does kind of carry through with the character. The most important part of the movie is the message it conveys, which is common sense, justice, truth, human rights and humanity, things that the courts in Hong Kong has certainly lost in recent years. The judicial system is totally bent to meet political propaganda rather than justice and truth and a total disregard of human rights. This movie is a good call for the countless cases of wrongly accused for the protestors and legislators in recent years, which were unjustly convicted with over extended periods of jail time, yet these ugly judges and attorney generals have no shame in putting out these unfair trails and sentences in collusion with the political propaganda. There's a great message in the movie : "ARE YOU EVEN HUMAN BEING?" is a great reflection of these scumbags.