Rating: Summary: I Could Watch Over and Over Review: I've seen this movie at least seven times and I'm still not remotely tired of it. Henry Fonda turns in one of his best performances as a stubbon jury member who thinks the man they're trying for the murder of his father may be innocent, despite seemingly overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Despite initial disagreement from the other 11 members of the jury, Fonda shows that the case isn't as open and shut as everyone thought. He also reveals that prejudice is playing a major role in the way the men are making their decisions. Lee J. Cobb is fantastic as a prejudice guy taking out the anger he feals over fights he has with his son on the young man being tried. E.G. Marshall stands out as an inteligent and logical man fighting against Fonda until the end, and Ed Beggley excels as a common bigot who believes all the poor are bums and crooks (a speach he gives at the end of the film to that effect is quite powerful. As he speaks, each of the jurors turn away, and by the end, no one is listening and Beggley breaks). Rounding out this supurb cast is Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, and a very young Jack Klugman. Director Sidney Lumet takes almost nothing (a cast of about 12, one room, no special effects) and transforms it into a rich, provocative, and moving story about America and the men who live there. If only today's directors could do the same.
Rating: Summary: Being only 13 years old,I found this to be a great movie Review: I read this play, and thought it was great, when I found out it was also a movie, I just had to see it. I found it to be great, I'm just sick of all of those multi million dollar box office hits, that are just a bunch of computer effects, this movie is a well written out plot, and the actors play their part like no other. But to add in, if you have not yet seen this movie, read the play first, its a challenging play to follow, having the characters only known as numbers, and leavs your imagination to the rest. 2 thumbs up!
Rating: Summary: 12 distinguished actors. Review: I had heard references of this film many times and wanted to see what the fuss was about.Earlier had watched a special effects sci/fi whizzarama and felt compelled to come down to earth very quickly. Well with Fonda and Lee J.Cobb and Sidney Lumet directing I guess you cant go wrong.I liked how the diferent characters interplayed with each other despite the differences in their backgrounds.E.G.Marshalls character,the smug accountant who doesnt sweat.You just gotta hate him. Having been on a jury even with the best intentions in the world after a few hours sitting with eleven strangers you pretty well get to know their personalities and prejudices no matter the evidence.After a while believe me it can get personal,especially when capital punishment is involved.The plot itself is not a new concept but it was then in 1957.I also liked the black&white photography which emphasized the seriousness of the plot.The ending was predictable of course but this did not detract from the marvellous performances of these actors most of whom sadly are no longer with us.I should feel moved to see the 1997 version just to compare the two, but I wont.Its in colour.
Rating: Summary: 60stars Review: I have seen this classic movie about 30 times. I love this movie. It is my all time favorite. All 12 men play their parts to the best of their ability. This movie is by far the best ensemble acting movie around. Perhaps they didn't know it at the time, but all 12 of the actors here were tops. It makes you think if you would have been a Henry Fonda taking the early unpopular position or the Lee J. Cobb taking the later unpopular position. Both men were alone in their convictions as the other 10 men with their personalities reversed their thinking on justice. More than likely I would have been somewhere in the middle,not leading the cause or being the last one persuaded. Each viewer of this movie should examined their convictions and should determine when they would have made the not-guilty vote. It may tell you where you might stand in reference to all others in terms of deciding justice. If you liked this movie watch The Ox-bow Incident-a very similar situation where justice has to be delivered. Just a great movie-an A+++++++++++++++ all the way.Buy it people!
Rating: Summary: A movie for people of all ages, teen to adult! Review: This movie is based on one element: the actors in it. There is no hokey music, no dramatic lighting, no special effects - only the actors creating the ups and downs of the plot, and the pure suspense you don't get in the dramas of today. The acting is superb, as is the story. This from a 16 year-old. I would recommend this movie to ANYONE. A classic.
Rating: Summary: Tight, well-paced drama. Excellent Review: The premise sounds dull - 12 jurors stuck in deliberation. However, it just grabs you in the beginning and doesn't let go. Excellent combination of superb acting, fine script and good directing. By today's standards, it may get a little preachy in a few parts, but it's still one of my favorites.
Rating: Summary: One of my 5 favorites of all time Review: This movie is just terrific. The acting, the story, everything. I think it's a perfect illustration of how today's movies have come to rely on special effects at the expense of everything else. All the action in this masterpiece takes place in one room! Lee J. Cobb is amazing, and Henry Fonday is great. We have 12 distinct personalities here, and each one is developed - the thoughtful, courageous man of conscience, the bigot, the decent working class types, the shallow advertising executive, etc. Watch it, you won't be disappointed.
Rating: Summary: Wonderful old-style drama. You won't get up 'til The End. Review: This wonderful film is probably the single-best film ever made. Masterful performances from a dozen superstar actors. Well shot, superbly edited. You can watch this many times and still feel gripped by the drama. It's one of the best, timeless films around.
Rating: Summary: What a powerful, thought-provoking drama... Review: Even though this video was in black and white, I saw it in color. It just comes alive with the superb acting! I really loved this drama, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. It really shows how bias can affect jurors, and how they must pay attention to even the smallest details. Someone else, who may be innocent, is depending on them to weigh the facts, and look for opportunities for reasonable doubt. This was a wonderful movie, and also educational. I am 16, and I watched it with my mother, who is a teacher... She took the video to school to show to her students, because she felt it was so powerful.I would rate this with more than 5 stars if that was possible. I highly recommend this movie.
Rating: Summary: Integrity & Critical Thinking - Dramatized Review: A spectacular black & white oldie, shot in real-time, in one room. (No special-effects, no dramatizing music, just pure drama). You have to see it! Show it to your adolescence and their friends. An excellent example of how to stand up for your convictions and help others to critically think their way through a dilema. Henry Fonda was one smart man!
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