Tom Paolino's vision for 'One of the Good Ones': A film about justice and hope

Author Iyana Daniel's and lead actor Tom Paolino at the premiere of the movie "One of the Good Ones" at the Killarney CineCentre on Tuesday.

The lead actor and executive producer describes the project as the “highlight” of his life, but behind that excitement is something deeper: a story about justice, grief, forgiveness and the choices people make when life does not go according to plan.

Paolino spoke passionately about the years of work behind the independent crime comedy-drama and what he hopes South African audiences will take from it.

“It means family, principles, soul, comedy, entertainment. It means the fruition of a dream, overcoming adversity and being a beacon of hope and inspiration to the world. That’s what we’re doing with this.”

Directed by Julie O’Hara, “One of the Good Ones” stars Paolino alongside Susan Gallagher, Jacob A. Ware, and Amy Zubieta.

Inspired by true events from the Lawyer’s Discipline Office and based on Vincent Scarsella’s “Lawyers Gone Bad” book series, the film follows Dean Alessi (Paolino), an honest prosecutor in Buffalo, New York, tasked with holding corrupt and unethical attorneys accountable.

His passion intensifies after his son is killed by a drunk driver, and the person responsible has wealth and influence within the community.

For Paolino, his character's determination is something he resonated deeply with.

“What is ordinarily a passion for justice is a passion for justice on steroids for Dean Alessi.”

Paolino added that he shares that strong sense of justice, particularly at a time when events around the world can leave people feeling powerless.

“I love people. I love the world. I hate seeing what is happening in the world today and I really want to be part of the solution.”

Yet “One of the Good Ones” is not simply interested in justice as punishment. Paolino believes its message also lies in how people respond to grief, betrayal, and anger.

For him, forgiveness does not necessarily mean reconciliation. Instead, it can be a way of freeing yourself from the weight of what someone else has done.

“You have to forgive. It doesn’t mean you have to hang out with that person but set yourself free with some forgiveness.”