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The Verdict

Play trailer 2:05 Poster for The Verdict R Released Dec 8, 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 The portentousness is often a disservice to the actors, embedded in dead air with roles too feebly written to get the ventilation going. Mar 1, 2024 Full Review William Thomas Empire Magazine 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'. Rated: 4/5 Mar 1, 2024 Full Review Derek Malcolm Guardian It is difficult to remember a courtroom drama of such efficiency as The Verdict, nor better performances from Newman. Mar 24, 2023 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Paul Newman delivers a note-perfect performance. Rated: 3.5/4 Nov 23, 2024 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com …still works, largely due to Newman’s untypical performance that drives the narrative beyond character study to high drama… Rated: 4/5 Jul 22, 2022 Full Review Alistair Lawrence Common Sense Media 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. Rated: 3/5 Dec 8, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Farah R 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. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/28/25 Full Review Garry A 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. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/02/25 Full Review Rosana B 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 Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/08/24 Full Review Michael W 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. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/01/24 Full Review Alec C Justice may not come easy, but it does come through the people fighting for it! As a disgraced lawyer is given a medical malpractice case, he sees a chance to redeem himself amidst corruption and cynicism throughout the trial. Paul Newman adds the emotional weight in this emotional trial drama that will leave you bawling when the credits roll! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/20/24 Full Review Paul J One of, if not THE best Paul Newman movie. Powerful, modern performances. Riveting trial. And beautiful ending. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/07/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Verdict

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Cast & Crew

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Sidney Lumet

Director

Paul Newman

Frank Galvin

Charlotte Rampling

Laura Fischer

James Mason

Ed Concannon

Jack Warden

Mickey Morrissey

Milo O'Shea

Judge Hoyle

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The Verdict

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The Verdict

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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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