12 Angry Men

Starring: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, E.G. Marshall, Joseph Sweeney
Directed by: Sidney Lumet
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
1957

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Twelve jury members convene after a murder trial where it is more than apparent that the defendent is guilty. Only one man (Henry Fonda) hesitates to cast a guilty vote and one by one, he persuades the other jury members to his side.

Review:

Tim: One of the greatest courtroom dramas of all time. The most interesting part is that nearly the entire film takes place in the jury deliberation room. It is fascinating to watch one man stand bravely against eleven others and one by one start winning them over through his logic and his courage. How this unfolds is ingenius and is a complex look at the deliberation process that juries must go through.

I've said many times that I am not the biggest Henry Fonda fan. He is good here, but he still leaves something to be desired. However, he gets the job done and that is all you can ask. The rest of the cast is all superb as well.

This film is remarkable because it takes place in one small room with twelve men sweating and enraged. You get caught up in the atmosphere and the escalating drama.

Anyone who is at least a bit interested in law or the courtroom will absolutely love this movie. You will be engaged and interested as you watch the excitement of one man influencing others through contemplative thought and reason. Different backgrounds, beliefs, and agendas all collide in this terrific film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Anatomy of a Murder, A Few Good Men, Runaway Jury