Chinese hit film Article 20 is ‘a fairy tale’ about the right to self-defence, legal experts say
But unlike the comedy or romance films that usually dominate the holiday period, the legal drama Article 20 (Di Er Shi Tiao) explores a controversial issue – the right to self-defence.
The film, co-produced by China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP), follows two prosecutors – Han Ming and Lu Lingling – who find themselves working relentlessly to clear villager Wang Yongqiang of charges in the killing of another villager who had bullied him for months and repeatedly raped his wife.
As the story unfolds, the two prosecutors race to collect evidence, redefining the case as a right to self-defence.
In a scene near the end of the movie, Han delivers a passionate speech in defence of the suspect.
