The Paper Chase (DVD, 2003)

I remember liking this movie when it hit the theaters. My son is now in his junior year at a large university and his cousin is a 2d year law student at the same university. Talking with my son recently, I thought about The Paper Chase so I got the DVD to view it again and pass it on to my son. While it is a little dated, the basic story line involving the characters is still relavent, not just to law students, but to any serious university student. The personalities presented are pretty universal, and people in my son's group of friends fit the role of many of those students in the story. The issue of time being split between studies, fun and possible romantic involvement with the opposite sex is still out there. The battle of wills between students and their seasoned professors is still relavent. It was well acted, and the young Lindsey Wagner did a great job as Susan, the older and wiser girlfriend of the law student, "Mr. Hart."

CAUTION: Possible spoiler ahead: While viewing it the second time 30+ years later, I recalled my frustration first time I saw The Paper Chase, with the lingering questions of Professor Kingsfield's possible knowledge of his daughter's involvement with his star pupil Hart, which was never fully acknowledged. The future of Susan and Hart's relationship was also left to the viewers imagination, as was the future of Hart's law career, who's determined view toward being a successful law student, and all that it entailed, was waverying under the influence of the beautiful, sexy, but somewhat cynical Susan. Now in my 50's, with some life experience behind me, I appreciate the lack of absolutes the movie left us with at it's conclusion. It is much like life, where the I's often aren't dotted and some Ts are left uncrossed.

Great study of students under pressure. John Houseman is a Harvard Law Professor, one of the most conviencing performances ever. This is Thimothy Bottoms' best work. This film is a don't miss. It converted to a television series with ease.

Great film of life as a Harvard Law Student. John Houseman, Timothy Bottoms, Lindsay Wagner are excellent!

A classic. It is probably the most authentic depiction ever of the law school experience and it is timeless. A must see for every law student or prospective law student. Set in the hallowed halls of Harvard Law School, it follows the travails and love life of a first year student ( a one L). Great movie!

excellent ..... better than I remembered it!!!!a++++++ WELL WORTH THE PURCHASE PRICE AND THEN SOME. VERY CLOSE TO REALITY. A MUST SEE FOR ANYONE THINKING ABOUT LAW SCHOOL.

The Paper Chase is a story with a great lesson. Give your best to achieve your goals, but remember the journey is the destination. The story of a Harvard Law student who studies intensely to impress his professor and achieve a good grade, until he realizes that these achievements are hollow.

I remember seeing this movie when I was in high school. My daughter just graduated from Law School and I remembered the Paper Chase movie. I bought it for her after she graduated, I didnt want to get it for her until after she graduated because John Houseman scared me out of pursuing Law School after watching him in High School.

very pleased !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i simply love this movie!there isnt much to say about it . i just think that the movie itself is great... i love the characters and the story line!

I am in law schoool and have heard of this movie which is why I decided to buy it. I thought it was an excellent movie and would recommend it to other 1Ls.

Bought the movie as part of the learning experience in law school, as I am a law student and probably would not see the movie if I was not required. Did not think the movie was all that great in terms of the study of law. However it did capture some of the nuisances of the law school experience in an entertaining way.

This movie is one of the best law based films i have seen in a long time. I saw it first on VHS, but the DVD quality is much better

My dad is an attorney and I am in the process of applying to law school myself and he ALWAYS tells me how bad he wants me to watch it, but it is really hard to find. We decided to check Ebay and sure enough, there it was! It was shipped to my house in a couple of days, not to mention it was brand new and at a great price.