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The Hour of The Pig 1993 Watch Online

HD 6.2 112 min

The Advocate Watch Online: A Tale of Justice in 15th-Century France

The Advocate, set in the tumultuous 15th-century France, tells the captivating story of Bartholomew Chassenee, a real-life lawyer who became an advocate for animals accused of crimes. During this era, animals were subjected to trials similar to humans, facing the same civil laws and penalties under French law from 1403 to 1596. This unique premise sets the stage for a gripping narrative that explores themes of justice, morality, and the absurdity of the legal system.

Richard Courtois: A Lawyer’s Journey to Abbeville

Richard Courtois, along with his clerk Mathieu, leaves the decadence of Paris behind, seeking a quieter life in the rural village of Abbeville, located in the province of Ponthieu. However, Courtois quickly finds himself entangled in a series of backlogged legal cases that challenge his skills and ethics as a lawyer.

In his first case, Courtois defends a farmer accused of murdering his wife’s lover. Through clever legal maneuvering, he secures an acquittal, much to the farmer’s relief. The farmer, grateful yet ominous, mutters, “I should have done him years ago,” hinting at the darker undercurrents of rural life.

The Witchcraft Trial: A Struggle Against Injustice

Courtois’s next case proves to be more challenging. He defends Jeannine, a woman accused of witchcraft. In a desperate attempt to prove her innocence, he calls for rats to testify that she did not bribe them to infect her neighbor. However, when the rats fail to appear, Jeannine is sentenced to hang despite Courtois’s efforts. As she is led away, she cryptically warns him, “There is darkness all about you, you can bring the light. Look to the boy, maître. Look to the boy.” Her execution is a poignant moment that underscores the tragic consequences of a flawed legal system.

The Case of the Accused Pig: A Twist of Fate

Courtois’s next case involves a pig accused of killing a young Jewish boy. The pig belongs to a group of Moors passing through town, and two of them, Mahmoud and his sister Samira, plead with Courtois to save their only source of food for the winter. Initially, Courtois declines their request, but as he becomes more involved with Samira, he realizes that the case is more complex than it appears.

Samira’s desperate offer to trade her body for Courtois’s legal services highlights the moral dilemmas he faces. Despite her allure, Courtois remains steadfast, offering her money instead, which she refuses. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of sociopolitical intrigue that extends beyond mere racism and corruption.

The Seigneur’s Manipulations and the Threat of Execution

As Courtois navigates the treacherous waters of Abbeville’s legal system, he finds himself at the mercy of Seigneur Jehan d’Auferre, who has his own ambitions. The Seigneur attempts to manipulate Courtois, offering bribes and even suggesting a marriage to his daughter, Filette. The eccentric behavior of the Seigneur’s children adds to the tension, particularly as his son takes pleasure in torturing birds.

When Courtois’s relationship with Samira becomes public knowledge, the Seigneur uses this information to threaten him into allowing the pig’s execution. Just as the case seems lost, the Advent festival begins, providing a temporary reprieve.

Uncovering the Truth: A Serial Killer in Their Midst

During this tumultuous time, Courtois discovers the skeleton of another missing Jewish boy, leading him to suspect that a human serial killer is at large. The pig, he believes, has been framed for a crime it did not commit. As the Festival of The Advent unfolds, Samira’s performance at the Seigneur’s chateau nearly leads to her arrest, showcasing the volatile atmosphere of the village.

Courtois’s bravery shines through as he rescues a boy from a masked horseman wielding an axe, further solidifying his role as a protector of the innocent. Confronting the Seigneur, Courtois accuses his son of being the true killer, a claim the Seigneur does not deny. The trial that follows becomes a battleground for justice, with Courtois fighting to clear the pig’s name.