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12 Angry Men

Play trailer 2:13 Poster for 12 Angry Men Released Apr 20, 1957 1h 35m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 61 Reviews 97% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Following the closing arguments in a murder trial, the 12 members of the jury must deliberate, with a guilty verdict meaning death for the accused, an inner-city teen. As the dozen men try to reach a unanimous decision while sequestered in a room, one juror (Henry Fonda) casts considerable doubt on elements of the case. Personal issues soon rise to the surface, and conflict threatens to derail the delicate process that will decide one boy's fate.
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12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men

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Critics Consensus

Sidney Lumet's feature debut is a superbly written, dramatically effective courtroom thriller that rightfully stands as a modern classic.

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Critics Reviews

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Edward Kosmal St. Louis Post-Dispatch Sidney Lumet's solid success is achieved without even once resorting to flashbacks or other standard procedures of the film trade. The secret rests in spirited dialogue, realistic setting and, of course, the excellent cast of outstanding character actors. Jan 31, 2023 Full Review Chris Stuckmann ChrisStuckmann.com This movie is a masterpiece. That term gets thrown around a lot -- it's a very easy thing to say about great films like this -- but this movie is one of the best. This is one of the very few films that I will call perfect. Rated: A+ Jan 26, 2018 Full Review Joshua Rothkopf Time Out Too few films take on the art of arguing as a subject; we could certainly use more of them, but until then, Lumet's window into strained civic duty will continue to serve mightily. Rated: 5/5 Jul 3, 2013 Full Review Nadir Samara Screen Rant A film like 12 Angry Men comes around once in a lifetime, and it will remain a blueprint for what a masterpiece looks like.  Rated: 10/10 Nov 11, 2024 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy This arguably remains Sidney Lumet's most compelling work, a sweaty, sustained drama that milks its claustrophobic setting for all it’s worth. Rated: 4/4 May 8, 2023 Full Review Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies 12 Angry Men is one of the best courtroom dramas in cinematic history. Rated: 5/5 Apr 18, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Liam C For a movie about 12 men sat in a room talking for 1.5 hours this does a fantastic job at keeping you entertained and waiting for the next drip of case information. The film does a great job of making you feel like the 13th person in the room getting involved with the plot alongside the actors. As a film thats 68 years old it's not a must see for everyone to enjoy, but for any movie enthusiast it should be on the watch list. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/25 Full Review Audience Member The acting in here is so good, even though it’s from 1957, it is definitely one of the best movies of all time Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/20/25 Full Review Benyamin M One of the best movies ever. 12 Angry Men is the best legal thriller and is an outstanding movie with great acting and a great story. And it is the best movie to be under 100 minutes. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/18/25 Full Review smg A 97 minutes of dialogue and suspense I’m all for it Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/10/25 Full Review Diego M 12 Angry Men (1957), directed by Sidney Lumet, is a masterclass in tension-building, dialogue, and character development. The film is set almost entirely within the confines of a jury room, with a focus on twelve men deliberating the fate of a young defendant accused of murder. Despite being confined to just a few locations and primarily relying on dialogue, the film remains compelling, thanks to its sharp writing and complex, well-crafted characters. The film opens with establishing shots of the courthouse, before transitioning into the jury room where most of the action unfolds. The room is sparse, furnished with wooden chairs and a long table, creating an almost claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the tension. The camera work and set design enhance the sense of confinement and unease, focusing on the faces of the jurors and their interactions. The details in the setting—such as the bidirectional door with the number 225, the fan, and the water dispenser—ground the film in realism, contributing to its immersive quality. What truly sets 12 Angry Men apart, however, is its exploration of character. Each juror represents a different facet of society, with their personalities and biases revealed through subtle details like clothing and behavior. The men’s attire reflects their professions and personal traits, such as the casual, sporty look of the baseball coach, the meticulous dress of the serious banker, and the more relaxed, slightly disheveled appearance of the painter. The contrast in their clothes highlights their differences, but as the film progresses, these differences give way to a shared sense of justice. The standout aspect of 12 Angry Men is its character-driven drama. Despite their varied backgrounds, the jurors' interactions are so well-written that, by the end of the film, you feel as though you've witnessed the evolution of each character. Unlike many films where characters' stories end with the credits, 12 Angry Men leaves the impression that these men will continue living their lives, shaped by the experiences in the jury room. This sense of realism and continuity makes the film feel incredibly grounded. In conclusion, 12 Angry Men is a brilliantly written, tense, and deeply human exploration of justice, prejudice, and moral responsibility. Its simplicity in setting is counterbalanced by the richness of its characters, making it one of the most effective and memorable films in cinematic history. The film seamlessly blends the intellectual and emotional, offering viewers both an engaging narrative and a powerful reflection on the complexities of human nature. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/03/25 Full Review Daniel J Brilliant acting, plot, story development, writing, camera work, etc. If you haven't seen this yet, correct that error as soon as possible! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/27/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Re-enactment 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Re-enactment 3:42 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - These People 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - These People 2:18 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Not Guilty 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Not Guilty 3:42 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - A Responsibility 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - A Responsibility 0:59 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Nose Marks 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Nose Marks 2:40 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - This Isn't a Game 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - This Isn't a Game 1:30 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - It's the Same Knife! 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - It's the Same Knife! 2:04 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Kids These Days 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Kids These Days 2:16 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Who Changed Their Vote? 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Who Changed Their Vote? 2:37 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Down & In 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Down & In 2:24 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Following the closing arguments in a murder trial, the 12 members of the jury must deliberate, with a guilty verdict meaning death for the accused, an inner-city teen. As the dozen men try to reach a unanimous decision while sequestered in a room, one juror (Henry Fonda) casts considerable doubt on elements of the case. Personal issues soon rise to the surface, and conflict threatens to derail the delicate process that will decide one boy's fate.
Director
Sidney Lumet
Producer
Henry Fonda, Reginald Rose
Screenwriter
Reginald Rose
Distributor
United Artists, Criterion Collection, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co
Orion-Nova Pictures
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 20, 1957, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 4, 2012
Runtime
1h 35m
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