There really is not much that can be said about this film, except that there is so much to say about this film as well. Once the film starts, it takes place almost in real time. There are very little jumps in the timeframe. That is partly what makes this film so believable. All the jurors go by unnamed. Instead, it's juror #1, juror #2, Juror #8, etc. You do not see any of the courtroom action. What happens in the film is all what happens afterward, which you normally do not see: The final decision by the jury.
This film is full of strong characters, each representing a different part of our society, with rich dialogue. At just an hour and a half, this film goes by rather quick and yet you still feel as though you have gained a bucket-load of information. And you still want more from it once it ends.
The first time I watched this film, I was completely surprised by how hooked and entertained I was. And yet, hardly anything much happens in it. But, like I said before, the characters are interesting, the situation is intriguing, the dialogue is strong, and the payoff is an emotional piece of acting, while all the more uplifting as well. When we live in a time where society believes big budget special effects are the way to go to entertain an audience, it's all the more surprising and relieving to be just as on the edge of your seat through simple, yet brilliant storytelling and acting. As soon as the film had ended, I wanted to see it again.
Several years ago, my father had to serve in a jury for reasons I cannot recall at this time. When I asked him about this movie, '12 Angry Men', and if his experience was anything like this, he responded by saying, 'Oh yes, it was very much like this'.
4/4
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