Directed by Sidney Lumet

Starring: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam

12 Angry Men is a courtroom drama, directed by legendary director Sidney Lumet, that follows 12 jurors. These 12 jurors have to deliberate and decide whether a young man is guilty of murdering his father. All jurors except juror number eight (played by Henry Fonda) think the young man is guilty. What ensures is all the jurors talking it out and trying to figure out if the young man committed the murder.

Based on the teleplay by Reginald Rose, the film mostly plays out as a play. The setting of the film takes place in one room as the jury has to decide on their verdict. As the film takes place in one room, most of the film’s charm comes from the actors and the sharp dialogue. As the majority of the film takes place in one setting, its would be natural for all 12 characters to get lost in the mix. Instead, all the characters in the deliberation room have personality and they make the effort to stick out. This is mostly done due to the screenplay, written by Reginald Rose, as the background of the characters is sprinkled throughout the film. At the end of the film, you recall all the personalities such the foreman who is a high school coach or the quiet, but firm, stockbroker who wears glasses.

With the background of the characters established, we can tell how each character would react in each scenario. We get a mixture of calm and collective characters who wants to hear the facts and are willing to change sides. On the other hand, we also get a mixture of angry, hot headed characters who are quick to deliver a guilty verdict and are certain this man did the crime. We also see characters from different backgrounds react to the case and how their backgrounds have an effect to the case. Watching these characters interact is fantastic as we get to see different personalities and ideals clash. They bicker and argue and have different opinions when listening to the facts. They are not lying about the facts but see the facts from a different perspective and form different opinions.

The main star of the film is legendary actor Henry Fonda as juror eight. Fonda somehow transforms himself to an regular everyday man who is not certain that the young man is guilty and is willing to talk out the decision. Because of his relaxing demeanor and is willingness to have an open dialogue, this juror is able to slowly convince other jurors of a not guilty verdict. Fonda’s character is one we all strive for as his character is one that doesn’t get upset easily. He knows there is a possibility that an innocent man is being sentenced and disputes the facts as they do not add up. Juror eight’s polar opposite is juror 3 (played by Lee J. Cobb), a man who is loud and brash. Juror 8 sees the facts of the case, but uses these facts as a front for his decision as he actually uses personal reasons to make his guilty decision.

12 Angry Men is a classic film that is driven by its smart screenplay and top notched acting. Bound to one setting, the film doesn’t rely on twists or flashy camera movements to tell a story. 12 Angry Men is a simple story of 12 men having to decide whether or not a man is guilty of murder. It sticks to this plot and it does it well. The plot is delivered by actors who give personalities to their roles. They make their characters stand out in a film filled with a large cast. 12 Angry Men is one of those must watch classic films that everyone will enjoy.

4/4