Movie Title: 증인 (Innocent Witness)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Year: 2019
Innocent Witness is a film that asks: What if we listened a little closer, especially to those who see the world differently?
Jung Woo-sung nails it as Soon-ho, a likable but flawed, charming but real attorney. He is your classic lawyer—sharp, ambitious, and a little worn down by the grind. He’s aiming for a permanent spot at a prestigious law firm, when he’s thrown into a tough case. He is to defend Oh Mi-ran, a housekeeper accused of killing her elderly employer.
And the prosecution’s only real weapon is Im Ji-woo (played by Kim Hyang-gi), a teenage girl on the autism spectrum who witnessed the crime. Hyang-gi brings Ji-woo’s character to life with authenticity that feels genuine and relatable especially her mannerisms, speech patterns, and emotional responses.
At first, Soon-ho tries to poke holes in Ji-woo’s testimony, hoping to win the case by undermining her credibility. But as he spends time with her, the case takes a back seat to something bigger. Ji-woo’s routines, her literal honesty, and the quiet courage she shows facing bullies and and her relationship with her protective mother. The film takes its time showing how Ji-woo processes the world, with scenes like her counting patterns or recalling conversations word-for-word, highlighting both her strengths and vulnerabilities.
The film also focuses on their growing friendship. From the awkward dinners, bus rides to heartfelt conversations, they make the audiences root for connection over conflict. It also forces him to confront his own values and the compromises he’s made. By the end, the legal verdict feels almost secondary to the personal growth and understanding between Soon-ho and Ji-woo.
The film closes on a note of human connection, a powerful reminder that sometimes being “a good person” is about listening and understanding, not arguing.
Ultimately, this isn’t your typical flashy courtroom drama. Instead Innocent Witness is a thoughtful, human story that values kindness and connection over drama and fireworks. If you’re after surprise twists or explosive legal battles, this might not be your movie. It’s a film that reminds us—sometimes, empathy is the bravest stance of all.