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The Verdict

Play trailer 2:05 Poster for The Verdict R 1982 2h 2m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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88% Tomatometer 40 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
A boozing lawyer (Paul Newman) takes on a law-firm dean (James Mason), the Archdiocese of Boston and the system in general.
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The Verdict

The Verdict

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Critics Consensus

Paul Newman is at the peak of his powers as an attorney who never lived up to his potential in The Verdict, supported by David Mamet's crackling script and Sidney Lumet's confident direction.

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Critics Reviews

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Gary Arnold Washington Post 03/01/2024
The portentousness is often a disservice to the actors, embedded in dead air with roles too feebly written to get the ventilation going. Go to Full Review
William Thomas Empire Magazine 03/01/2024
4/5
It's Newman's performance itself that really makes this film work and helps it truly get close to Lumet's own '12 Angry Men'. Go to Full Review
Derek Malcolm Guardian 03/24/2023
It is difficult to remember a courtroom drama of such efficiency as The Verdict, nor better performances from Newman. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy 11/23/2024
3.5/4
Paul Newman delivers a note-perfect performance. Go to Full Review
Eddie Harrison film-authority.com 07/22/2022
4/5
…still works, largely due to Newman’s untypical performance that drives the narrative beyond character study to high drama… Go to Full Review
Alistair Lawrence Common Sense Media 12/08/2021
3/5
Dated by the slew of movies and TV series that have followed, this 1982 courtroom drama, while solid enough, suffers from not delving enough into its main character. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Stephen C @bob25009 Jul 16 Success in 2 hours and 2 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starring Paul Newman and Jack Warden!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Blu B Jul 13 All Time Classic. Very slow burn that takes it time setting up the character, plot, and just slowly builds the entire way andnever stumbles building up to the trial. It's difficult to explain but once the trial starts you can feel everything come together and you can't look away as it takes multiple twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the last minute. The direction is excellent, really good acting across the board, and just has lots of commentary on healthcare and the pursuit of justice and imperfections of humans. The soundtrack is realy good when used but it's not really catchy and not used as much as it should. This is can be a bit dry at times and very slow. But everything else is just masterfully done. It may not be for everyone as it lacks action but I struggle to think someone would think this is terrible. Give it a try. See more Farah R @Farah Apr 28 A compelling courtroom drama anchored by an outstanding performance by Paul Newman, The Verdict is a film that transports viewers into a world where people can fight for justice and still win. See more Garry A @heavyg Feb 2 Paul Neumann was dead on in his portayl of a functioning, messy alcoholic. There is one violent scene involving a woman that was gratuitous and didn't have to be so heavy handed. See more Rosana B 09/08/2024 Fiz Direito, mas nunca quis advogar, participei do tribunal Juri e me apaixonei, filme de tribunal me atraem profundamente, seja pela beleza intelectual e de oratória dos grandes advogados, seja pela maestria em usar palavras, escritas (lei) e oral (defesa/acusação) em prol do seu "lado". Ainda que previsível, uma excelente produção, emocionante e cativante, Paul Newman geniosamente lembrou me Clint Eastwood, em meio a tantas balanças desniveladas, lampejo de justiça, adoravelmente reconfortante See more Michael W @mawilps 05/01/2024 This courtroom movie was really good. Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, James Mason, Jack Warden, James Handy, Roxanne Hart, and the rest of the cast did a fantastic job in this movie. The plot of the movie was dramatic, tense, and tragic. It's about working on a case to turn a wrongdoing into a victory for the victims. If you haven't seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It's a must see. See more Read all reviews
The Verdict

My Rating

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Movie Info

Synopsis A boozing lawyer (Paul Newman) takes on a law-firm dean (James Mason), the Archdiocese of Boston and the system in general.
Director
Sidney Lumet
Producer
Richard D. Zanuck, David Brown
Screenwriter
David Mamet
Production Co
Twentieth Century Fox
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 8, 1982, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 28, 2015
Runtime
2h 2m
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