Review of The Paper Chase (1973) by Lan D — 31 May 2008

For those who have or are currently going through the law school experience, only the first 5 minutes of this movie - a memorable scene of the Socratic method in action - are worth watching. For non-lawyers, you probably won't even find that scene amusing.

The rest of the movie is poorly plotted, lacks flow, and at times doesn't even make any sense. People cite this movie as the classic example of the law school experience, but I find the movie reduces the experience down to a complete farce.

And even if your experience does resemble that portrayed in the movie, it is at the very least an oversimplifed portrayal. The only two lessons a law student will take away from this movie: 1) Do your own outlines for every class and 2) Don't have women on the brain during your first year.

I think getting 1Ls to watch this movie is an extended part of the hazing law schools put us through.