X
  • 2007
  • Unrated
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 2 h 15 m
  • 2007
  • Unrated
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 2 h 15 m

Summary Communist, anticolonialist, right-wing extremist? What convictions guide the moral mind of Jacques Vergès? Barbet Schroeder takes us down history's darkest paths in his attempt to illuminate the mystery behind this enigmatic figure. As a young lawyer during the Algerian war, Vergès espoused the anticolonialist cause and defended Djamila ...

Directed By: Barbet Schroeder

  • 2007
  • Unrated
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 2 h 15 m
  • 2007
  • Unrated
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 2 h 15 m

Terror's Advocate

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 17 Critic Reviews
75
User Score Mixed or Average Based on 6 User Ratings
6.0
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Where to Watch

Summary Communist, anticolonialist, right-wing extremist? What convictions guide the moral mind of Jacques Vergès? Barbet Schroeder takes us down history's darkest paths in his attempt to illuminate the mystery behind this enigmatic figure. As a young lawyer during the Algerian war, Vergès espoused the anticolonialist cause and defended Djamila ...

Directed By: Barbet Schroeder

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 17 Critic Reviews
75
94% Positive
16 Reviews
6% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 17 Critic Reviews
75
94% Positive
16 Reviews
6% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
90
A brilliant study in the link between moral corruption and narcissism.
By David Edelstein FULL REVIEW
88
Schroeder's film is a fascinating character study in contradictions and in the end Verges remains loathsome, oddly charismatic and willfully enigmatic.
By Ken Fox FULL REVIEW
80
It is the gift of Terror's Advocate, Barbet Schroeder's riveting new documentary, to simply present Vergès as is, to say "here is the man" and let things speak for themselves. Do they ever.
By Kenneth Turan FULL REVIEW
75
Less a portrait of this controversial man than a touchstone "to trace the history of contemporary terrorism."
By William Arnold FULL REVIEW
75
If nothing else, Terror's Advocate offers a useful summary of the last half-century of global politics, and how changing public perceptions can make goats out of heroes.
By Noel Murray FULL REVIEW
70
Sure to inspire debate in France and Germany and of obvious interest to anyone who follows the roots of modern international terrorism, doc probes gray areas in the colorful life of its controversial, limelight-courting subject.
By Lisa Nesselson FULL REVIEW
50
While I understand Vergès' oft-repeated claim that he wants to use these sensational cases to point out that the French were no better than the Nazis in their treatment of colonial subjects, it's impossible to overlook his glib dismissal of his clients' crimes and the smug righteousness that rests in the smirk constantly on his face.
By Jack Mathews FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 6 User Ratings
6.0
50% Positive
3 Ratings
17% Mixed
1 Rating
33% Negative
2 Ratings

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 6 User Ratings
6.0
50% Positive
3 Ratings
17% Mixed
1 Rating
33% Negative
2 Ratings

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company La Sofica Uni Etoile 3, Canal+, Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC), Magnolia Pictures, Wild Bunch, Yalla Film
Release Date Oct 12, 2007
Duration 2 h 15 m
Rating Unrated
Genres
Tagline Dictators. Terrorists. War Criminals. Meet the man who defended them all.
Website http://www.lavocatdelaterreur.com/
View All Details

Awards

Étoiles d'Or, France
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
César Awards, France
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Directors Guild of America, USA
• 1 Nomination

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