In the definitive version of Reginald Rose's timeless script, an all-white jury decides the fate of a youth accused of murder. This tightly constructed searing exposé of prejudice in the American legal system stars Henry Fonda and a pantheon of great character actors. Read more
| Starring | Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, E.G. Marshall |
|---|---|
| Director | Sidney Lumet |
| Genres | Drama, Thriller |
loading...
Based on a television play by Reginald Rose about a lone juror holding out for a not guilty verdict with the remaining 11 ready to convict, this marvellous movie has become part of life's currency: there's no courtroom in the world where 12 Angry Men is not either invoked or recalled. Henry Fonda stars as juror eight, and he also co-produced the movie. Although acclaimed as an instant classic, the film made no money on release, and Fonda wasn't able to pay himself his deferred acting fee. Fonda's integrity illuminates the film, which benefits immeasurably from debut director Sidney Lumet's masterly sense of cinema: the action takes place on a single claustrophobic set (an actual New York jury room), yet Lumet finds an infinite variety of visual set-ups and angles within the confines. It was Oscar-nominated for best picture, direction and screenplay, but won nothing in the year that Bridge on the River Kwai took most of the major awards. Few films can genuinely be called brilliant, but this is certainly one of them.
Though unconvincing in detail, this is a brilliantly tight character melodrama which is never less than absorbing to experience. Acting and direction are superlatively right, and the film was important in helping to establish television talents in Hollywo
Lumet's origins as a director of teledrama may well be obvious here in his first film, but there is no denying the... read more on Time Out
Having not seen this film before, I was very glad that I now have. It is a superbly acted, brilliantly written piece set almost entirely in the jury room as 12 men deliberate on their verdict for a trial. There are some great twists and turns which keep you gripped until the very end.
I would recommend everyone to see this true classic.
This is a fantastic movie, although I know many will disagree. Yes I know about it's foibles, I know it's not particularly, historically accurate, and I know that it can be seen as a bit one-dimensional. But, with virtually the whole film shot in one room, it's beauty is in being able to draw you in to the personalities of the jurors, witnessing their petty prejudices being exposed and their attitudes being examined. You won't even notice how quickly the film passes, so engrossed will you be in witnessing Henry Fonda's character disecting the evidence that has been so superficially accepted, whilst challenging the other jurors to examine their consciences and face up to the magnitude of their task. Entertaining, engrossing and educational - how many of these characters do you know?
I'm afraid i did not watch this film in the end so am unable to comment.
This film is an absolute must for anyone going on jury service. I wish I had seen it before I did my jury service. It would have helped hugely for one case in particular that I had to sit on. A really excellent film. Slow to get going but persevere!
Brilliant film. Black & white. Takes place almost entirey in one room. It's really about a principle - a jury must decide whether there is reasonable doubt about an accused's guilt. If there isn't, he gets off (even if he did it). It's a principle which undepins our freedom from the likes of Saddam Hussein. It's a pillar of America, & a symbol of what America should be. In those days, it was still a symbol of what Americans believed America was, before inncence was lost.
Having not seen this film before, I was very glad that I now have. It is a superbly acted, brilliantly written piece set almost entirely in the jury room as 12 men deliberate on their verdict for a trial. There are some great twists and turns which keep you gripped until the very end.
I would recommend everyone to see this true classic.
This is a fantastic movie, although I know many will disagree. Yes I know about it's foibles, I know it's not particularly, historically accurate, and I know that it can be seen as a bit one-dimensional. But, with virtually the whole film shot in one room, it's beauty is in being able to draw you in to the personalities of the jurors, witnessing their petty prejudices being exposed and their attitudes being examined. You won't even notice how quickly the film passes, so engrossed will you be in witnessing Henry Fonda's character disecting the evidence that has been so superficially accepted, whilst challenging the other jurors to examine their consciences and face up to the magnitude of their task. Entertaining, engrossing and educational - how many of these characters do you know?
I'm afraid i did not watch this film in the end so am unable to comment.
Wonderful piece of theatre. The jury retire to decide whether to convict a young man for murder. Two themes dominate: first the evidence upon which they have to make their (potential fatal) decision; second the values, including prejudices, that the individual jury members bring to the table. Henry Fonda stars, wearing a white jacket, but all the other cast good if not better.
as insomnia gripped me one night in the early hours, I switched on my tv and found this film. When it finished I was no longer worried about being tired for work in the morning. I was, in fact, truly grateful to have seen a film that displayed such tension, as one man (Fonda)held his nerve and made himself and his different opinions heard despite intense pressure from his so called peers. Here is an example of how film needs only sound dialogue and solid acting to produce a story worth telling and a lesson in not making assumptions - worth learning. for me a gripping story worth checking out
This film is a masterpiece. The film is only ever set in 1 room really - a side-room off the court where a case has just been presented. The jury retire to discuss the verdict. In the beginning, all but one of the jury are certain of a 'guilty' verdict. I can't say any more but suffice to say this is one of the best films I have ever seen and how the director has managed to create such an atmosphere is truly magnificent. The characters are also well constructed and superbly cast. Wacth it.
Brilliant film. Black & white. Takes place almost entirey in one room. It's really about a principle - a jury must decide whether there is reasonable doubt about an accused's guilt. If there isn't, he gets off (even if he did it). It's a principle which undepins our freedom from the likes of Saddam Hussein. It's a pillar of America, & a symbol of what America should be. In those days, it was still a symbol of what Americans believed America was, before inncence was lost.
This has got to be one of the all time classics! Superb script dealing with prejudice, preconceptions and human frailty.
This film demonstrates that special effects and expensive scenery can not replace a good plot!
this is an absoloute classic, the acting is excellent, the script is excellent, but most of all the pace of the film is just right...i thought that old films were not made as good as this, and i was plesantly surprised..very good stuff indeed, they don't come much better
Truly one of the greatest films ever made; essentially set in 1 room, the actors supply palpable tension and great performances (watch out for a young Quincy (Jack Klugman)). A battle by one man against all too familiar human prejudice, Henry Fonda is magnificent in his role.
Based on a television play by Reginald Rose about a lone juror holding out for a not guilty verdict with the remaining 11 ready to convict, this marvellous movie has become part of life's currency: there's no courtroom in the world where 12 Angry Men is not either invoked or recalled. Henry Fonda stars as juror eight, and he also co-produced the movie. Although acclaimed as an instant classic, the film made no money on release, and Fonda wasn't able to pay himself his deferred acting fee. Fonda's integrity illuminates the film, which benefits immeasurably from debut director Sidney Lumet's masterly sense of cinema: the action takes place on a single claustrophobic set (an actual New York jury room), yet Lumet finds an infinite variety of visual set-ups and angles within the confines. It was Oscar-nominated for best picture, direction and screenplay, but won nothing in the year that Bridge on the River Kwai took most of the major awards. Few films can genuinely be called brilliant, but this is certainly one of them.
Though unconvincing in detail, this is a brilliantly tight character melodrama which is never less than absorbing to experience. Acting and direction are superlatively right, and the film was important in helping to establish television talents in Hollywo
Lumet's origins as a director of teledrama may well be obvious here in his first film, but there is no denying the... read more on Time Out
"Best Courtroom Drama of All Time"