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From Amazon.co.uk
Sidney Lumet's directorial debut Twelve Angry Men remains a tense, atmospheric (though slightly manipulative and stagey) courtroom thriller, in which the viewer never sees a trial and the only action is verbal. As he does in his later corruption commentaries such as Serpico or Q & A, Lumet focuses on the lonely one-man battles of a protagonist whose ethics alienate him from the rest of jaded society. As the film opens, the seemingly open-and-shut trial of a young Puerto Rican accused of murdering his father with a knife has just concluded and the 12-man jury retires to their microscopic, sweltering quarters to decide the verdict. When the votes are counted, 11 men rule guilty, while one--played by Henry Fonda, again typecast as another liberal, truth-seeking hero--doubts the obvious. Stressing the idea of "reasonable doubt", Fonda slowly chips away at the jury, who represent a microcosm of white, male society--exposing the prejudices and preconceptions that directly influence the other jurors' snap judgments. The tight script by Reginald Rose (based on his own teleplay) presents each juror vividly using detailed soliloquies, all which are expertly performed by the film's flawless cast. Still, it's Lumet's claustrophobic direction--all sweaty close-ups and cramped compositions within a one-room setting--that really transforms this contrived story into an explosive and compelling nail-biter. --Dave McCoy, Amazon.com
Product Description
Adapted from Reginald Rose's television play, this film marked the directing debut of Sidney Lumet. At the end of a murder trial in New York City, the twelve jurors retire to consider the verdict. The man in the dock is a young Puerto Rican accused of killing his father, and eleven of the twelve jurors do not hesitate in finding him guilty. However, one of the jurors (Henry Fonda), reluctant to send the youngster to his death without any debate, returns a vote of not guilty. From this single event, the jurors begin to re-evaluate the case, as they look at the murder - and themselves - in a fresh light.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
One of the best films I've ever seen. It captures the mood of both the time and the situation brilliantly. Fonda is superb but each of the actors deserves credit, including a young Jack Klugman (Quincy). Having seen the film many times with my wife, we know exactly what's coming next, but this never detracts from our viewing, indeed it suits to enhance it. Altogether, a joy to watch and an excellent example of people maintaining their values at all costs. If only all youngsters from today could look - they would only learn from it.
47 of 49 people found the following review helpful
By Reg Superman
Format:VHS Tape
Produced by Henry Fonda and Reginald Rose (screenwriter and the author of the original play) and directed by the great Sidney Lumet (in this his cinematic debut) this mainly jury room centred film, is quite simply the greatest film ever made. Lumet, who cut his teeth in television, brought a lot of unknown television acting talent with him to this unique piece of work. Seasoned film actors, Fonda, Lee J Cobb, Ed Begley, Robert Preston and E G Marshall dovetail seamlessly with the other players, among them Martin Balsam, Jack Warden, Jack Klugman and Edward Binns.
The plot is ridiculously simple. A young Hispanic man is on trial for murdering his father, and in what appears to the majority of the jury, an open and shut case of guilty.
One man, Henry Fonda, as juror number 8, stands alone as the dissenting voice against the prejudice and preconceived ideas of the other 11. Though bit by bit, the evidence is broken down and what initially appeared so certain becomes a reasonable doubt in enough of the jurors minds as to expose the bigoted notions of a couple of them.
The essence of this film is in it's refreshing simplicity in terms of staging, dialogue and delivery. The actors are all on top of their game, working with first class material. Other films rely on epic sets and or clever camera techniques to hold the audiences attention. (I discount Citizen Kane from that as it was a true landmark achievement) This film, above all others, proves that that is not necessary. Twelve Angry Men rewards the viewer even after the 30th watch (certainly in my case! I could play the parts myself, although not quite as good!). Simply the best!
The plot is ridiculously simple. A young Hispanic man is on trial for murdering his father, and in what appears to the majority of the jury, an open and shut case of guilty.
One man, Henry Fonda, as juror number 8, stands alone as the dissenting voice against the prejudice and preconceived ideas of the other 11. Though bit by bit, the evidence is broken down and what initially appeared so certain becomes a reasonable doubt in enough of the jurors minds as to expose the bigoted notions of a couple of them.
The essence of this film is in it's refreshing simplicity in terms of staging, dialogue and delivery. The actors are all on top of their game, working with first class material. Other films rely on epic sets and or clever camera techniques to hold the audiences attention. (I discount Citizen Kane from that as it was a true landmark achievement) This film, above all others, proves that that is not necessary. Twelve Angry Men rewards the viewer even after the 30th watch (certainly in my case! I could play the parts myself, although not quite as good!). Simply the best!
53 of 56 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
12 Angry Men is a forgotten classic. When talking about the greatest films of all time, it rarely comes up. Yet EVERY single person I have met who has seen the film has adored it.
In a movie world where big celebrities and expensive special effects seem to be what brings the money in, this film is so refreshing. In this film, there is only one star name - Henry Fonda. He plays one of only 14 speaking parts in movie. There are four sets: The courtroom (2 minutes at the start), outside the courthouse (30 seconds at the end), and then the bathroom and the jury room. No fancy effects, just 12 characters with nothing but a script in their heads to give to keep you entertained. This is how films can be done!
The plot is simple; a young boy is accused of murder. The case seems open and shut to 11 of the jurors who vote guilty. Only one (Fonda) is even unsure. When he wants to discuss further he is greeted by two bigots, desperate to put 'one of them' to the chair, a man who is only interested in going to watch his beloved Yankees and cares little for the outcome and a host of weary men, who are sick of the whole situation; very few are even prepared to listen. For the next two hours, every fact of the case is ironed out until what was black and white becomes very grey.
12 Angry Men is one of the finest films I have ever seen. Sidney Lumet's directing captures the stuffy, intense and claustrophobic atmosphere of the room while all the actors make their characters memorable. This film is a dream.
In a movie world where big celebrities and expensive special effects seem to be what brings the money in, this film is so refreshing. In this film, there is only one star name - Henry Fonda. He plays one of only 14 speaking parts in movie. There are four sets: The courtroom (2 minutes at the start), outside the courthouse (30 seconds at the end), and then the bathroom and the jury room. No fancy effects, just 12 characters with nothing but a script in their heads to give to keep you entertained. This is how films can be done!
The plot is simple; a young boy is accused of murder. The case seems open and shut to 11 of the jurors who vote guilty. Only one (Fonda) is even unsure. When he wants to discuss further he is greeted by two bigots, desperate to put 'one of them' to the chair, a man who is only interested in going to watch his beloved Yankees and cares little for the outcome and a host of weary men, who are sick of the whole situation; very few are even prepared to listen. For the next two hours, every fact of the case is ironed out until what was black and white becomes very grey.
12 Angry Men is one of the finest films I have ever seen. Sidney Lumet's directing captures the stuffy, intense and claustrophobic atmosphere of the room while all the actors make their characters memorable. This film is a dream.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I am so sick of watching big hollywood productions which rely on style over substance with millions spent on big names, big special effects and big propaganda. 12 angry men should be used as an educational video for the filmakers of today. The film probably cost next to nothing to produce, the cast is pretty much unknown (barring fonda), and the film is set in just one room. It's absurd to think that this film is easily one of the best i have seen.
A film should be both enlightening and entertaining. 12 Angry men is all of this. Indeed, I found myself shouting at the TV at times; the film was just so compelling and the issues and characters explored were so well handled.
it's increadible to think how brilliant a film can be with quite simply a strong script and covincing acting. Let this be a lesson to the Hollywood of today.
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Classic film set entirely in a jury room apart from the first and last couple of minutes. A Puerto Rican young man is tried for murder and the jury retire to reach their verdict. The capital case seems to be clear-cut but one juror bravely registers a not-guilty verdict and gradually convinces the others of the flaws in the prosecution, exposing their prejudices and differences in the process.
Twelve Angry Men is a brilliantly made film with some clever directional touches used to highlight the tension and claustrophobia of the jury room. Its central story is as relevant now as when it was made almost 50 years ago. Simple but effective. An absolute classic.
Twelve Angry Men is a brilliantly made film with some clever directional touches used to highlight the tension and claustrophobia of the jury room. Its central story is as relevant now as when it was made almost 50 years ago. Simple but effective. An absolute classic.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
12 Angry Men
One room. Twelve men. One decision to make. That's the basic premise of 12 Angry Men, Sidney Lumet's effortlessly brilliant drama. Read more
Published 5 days ago by T. Cosens
5.0 out of 5 stars
MY FAVOURITE FILM
Blu Ray picture has a fine layer of grain, but is still better than my DVD version12 Angry Men [DVD] [1957].Also the picture fills the whole screen(DVD doesn't). Read more
Published 6 days ago by DAZIAN
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic
What more can I say, an excellent film and to wanting to sound too cliche, they don't make 'em like that anymore.
Published 10 days ago by Busta
5.0 out of 5 stars
The way movies should be done
You don't see many movies with such good acting any more. No need for a $100 million budget here, just let the movie enthrall you with its excellent actors, camerawork and plot. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Petri
5.0 out of 5 stars
Where is his Oscar
All that can be said about this movie already has been said.
All I want to say is,The best performance in this movie is that of
Lee J Cobb,an Oscar worthy performance if... Read more
All I want to say is,The best performance in this movie is that of
Lee J Cobb,an Oscar worthy performance if... Read more
Published 20 days ago by old groaner
4.0 out of 5 stars
12 Angry Men DVD
It doesn't matter that this is an old film and quite dated. The acting is excellent and the characters are realistically portrayed. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Eileen Emberlin
5.0 out of 5 stars
My Favourite Movie!
This is the ultimate in film-making artistry. No fancy special effects, no nudity, no action scenes... not even colour! Read more
Published 24 days ago by Amazon_Addict
5.0 out of 5 stars
I recommend it
Very nice movie for those interested in the law field and especially on evidence law or criminal law. It is very interesting although an old movie.
Published 26 days ago by ELENI STAVROU
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Movie
This is one of the best known movies of the late 50's, filmed almost completely in one room and with some of the best acting performances around including Henry Fonda's turn as the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Thingamajig
5.0 out of 5 stars
A formidable movie
Always been a favorite of mine with an exciting plot and a full-star cast. Henry Fonda is excellent as the juror trying to convince the other 11 jurors to doubt their intentional... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Erik Preben Pedersen
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