A suspense series that premiered on Friday (July 9) on iQIYI, "Justifiable Defence" is a groundbreaking suspense drama that delves deeply into cases involving justified self-defense.
Directed by Li Yunliang, written by Jia Dongyan and Wu Yao, the series stars top favourites Gao Ye and Zhang Luyi, with a special appearance by Bai Jingting. Zhang Xinyi, Zhang Baijia, and Ye Qing also play prominent roles. The narrative skillfully intertwines three cases of justified defense, highlighting the evolution of judicial practice.
Spanning fourteen years, "Justifiable Defence" meticulously explores the profound shifts in judicial perception regarding self-defense, examining the delicate balance among law, morality, and empathy.
The story begins with prosecutor Duan Hongshan (Zhang Luyi) investigating a domestic violence case, unexpectedly reviving memories of a campus self-defence incident he handled fourteen years earlier.
Li Mufeng (Bai Jingting), involved as a youth defending his classmate, reappears as Duan becomes embroiled in a complex kidnapping case. With its layered narrative structure and intense courtroom dynamics, the series vividly portrays the challenges in interpreting justified defense.
Director Li Yunliang aims to transform seemingly impersonal judicial procedures into a narrative language that evokes emotional resonance. Screenwriters Jia Dongyan and Wu Yao delve deeply into the complex human emotions and societal debates underlying self-defense laws.
The cast, including Gao Ye, Zhang Luyi, Bai Jingting, Zhang Xinyi, Zhang Baijia, and Ye Qing, delivers powerful performances, turning complex characters into vivid portrayals of judicial practitioners and individuals facing critical life decisions. Their choices and dilemmas serve as compelling entry points into this drama about the development of judicial practice.
Dai Ying, Senior Vice President at iQIYI and the drama’s executive producer, notes the series dispels stereotypes of rigid legal texts, bringing prevalent issues such as domestic violence and school bullying to the forefront. Through the prosecutor’s perspective, the drama embodies the belief that "the law cannot yield to unlawfulness." Dai adds, "The greatest value of this drama is prompting viewers to recall it when navigating extreme situations."
Director Li Yunliang emphasises the drama’s unique creative approach: "Our narrative isn’t about crime-solving but about exploring the complex psychology of characters."
Departing from traditional suspense confrontations, the intertwined cases spanning fourteen years gradually reveal deep character psychology, illustrating the significant impacts and transformations arising from critical defense decisions made within mere seconds.
"Justifiable Defence" represents a new milestone in iQIYI Suspense Theater’s social suspense genre, continuing its mission of educating through case-based narratives. Together with acclaimed series such as "The Long Night" and "The Lonely Warrior," it offers in-depth explorations and examinations of contemporary social issues.
