12 Angry Men

Name: 12 Angry Men
Genre: Drama, Crime
Released: April 1, 1957
Duration: 96 min
Rating: 97
Cast: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb

1957

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Universal acclaim based on 18 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 614 Ratings

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8.8

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8.8	User Score Universal acclaim based on 614 Ratings

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12 Angry Men

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Movie Details & Credits

United Artists | Release Date: April 1, 1957 | Approved

Starring: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb

Summary: 12 Angry Men, by Sidney Lumet, is a behind-closed-doors look at the American legal system. This iconic adaptation of Reginald Rose’s teleplay stars Henry Fonda as the dissenting member on a jury of white men ready to pass judgment on a Puerto Rican teenager charged with murdering his father. The result is a saga of epic proportions that12 Angry Men, by Sidney Lumet, is a behind-closed-doors look at the American legal system. This iconic adaptation of Reginald Rose’s teleplay stars Henry Fonda as the dissenting member on a jury of white men ready to pass judgment on a Puerto Rican teenager charged with murdering his father. The result is a saga of epic proportions that plays out over a tense afternoon in one sweltering room.… Expand

Director: Sidney Lumet

Genre(s): Drama, Crime

Rating: Approved

Runtime: 96 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Roger Ebert

The movie plays like a textbook for directors interested in how lens choices affect mood. Read full review

100

Joshua Rothkopf

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. Read full review

100

Josh Howey

Rounded out by an incredible cast, Lumet’s realisation of Reginald Rose’s script didn’t require anything too bold or exaggerated. It simply took 12 men in a single room with something important to talk about. Read full review

100

Glenn Heath Jr.

What's most interesting about the intense deliberations that ensue, specifically when a piece of seemingly indisputable evidence is brought back into question, is how a fresh angle and perspective, usually born from Juror 8's critical thinking, can permanently alter the tone of the discussion. Read full review

Noel Murray

Though the jury in 12 Angry Men reaches a verdict, neither Rose nor Lumet definitively state whether they're "right." The point—as Lumet well knows—is that when it comes to making sense of a picture, a lot depends on the framing. Read full review

Time Out London Geoff Andrew

What really transforms the piece from a rather talky demonstration that a man is innocent until proven guilty, is the consistently taut, sweltering atmosphere, created largely by Boris Kaufman's excellent camerawork. The result, however devoid of action, is a strangely realistic thriller. Read full review

Jerry Tallmer

The great merits and great defects of the age-old Anglo-American jury system are examined with conscientiousness and considerable drama. [22 May 1957, p.6]

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User Reviews

SilentTactician

Feb 21, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 12 men seated in a room discussing whether or not a man should be judged for is crimes. A movie that completely revolves around the characters and ideas rather than anything else. I adored this movie simply because it is a movie that appears to be so simplistic and yet is able to convey a deeper message than any other. The elaborate discussion of right vs wrong, justice vs. injustice, and the ability of humanity to deliver doubt. A personal favorite simply because it was able to keep me entertained while doing so little.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

MattBrady99

Dec 19, 2017

The power of movie dialogue really makes this movie a true classic.

The story to 12 Angry Men is one man on a jury stands alone in a case in which most are initially convinced one way but one by one may be convinced another way. 12 men in one room just talking about one murder case andThe power of movie dialogue really makes this movie a true classic.

The story to 12 Angry Men is one man on a jury stands alone in a case in which most are initially convinced one way but one by one may be convinced another way.

12 men in one room just talking about one murder case and them sharing they opinions if the person that may have committed murder is guilty or not, now many things here could have went wrong, you got to have the best writer, the best director and the best actors to make this movie work and it payed off so well and I think this is cinema's greatest risk of doing something new with the story, giving it a twist and a edge and 12 Angry Men paid off brilliantly.

The acting from every singe actor in this movie all do realistic, believable, funny and serious performance's and they all add a lot of weight and drama to their character's. I wish I can bring up every single actors name in this cast but I'm not since these 12 of them and it's going to take up the all page and I can't talk about every singe actor and go into detail about them one at a time, but I can say that everyone in the movie did a flawless work of acting that's pure Oscar worthy and the kind of drama acting they should show kids in drama school. Nicely done fellas.

Sidney Lumet directed this movie and this has to be some of the best directing I've seen from this guy. He really added a lot to this movie when it came to story and characters and the back and forward they have with each other and it worked by his direction.

The characters in the movie (The Twelve Angry Men) don't really like each that much as in every scene they at each other's throat trying to confidence the other men in the room that the man is guilty for murder while that person and the other's bring up some really solid points that this man is guilty or not guilty for murder. As a viewer myself I got really interested in the case and trying to think if he's guilty or not, so this movie does a fantastic job of giving the viewer a opinion on the case and see if you think he did it or not.

For problems with the movie: I don't have any.

Overall 12 Angry Men is such a classic movie with excellent performances from everyone, the writing outstanding and the directing was some of the best. You haven't seen 12 Angry Men then I say go see it, it's worth your time.… Expand

7 of 10 users found this helpful73

Manih

Oct 23, 2019

96 minutes, 12 men, in a room. But nobody said that it is boring film. Sidney Lumet is genius artist. I fund it when I saw Find me Guilty and I believe it surly when I saw 12 Angry men.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

jamesfhall

Jan 20, 2022

In what is arguably one of the greatest films ever made, Henry Fonda gives what is possibly the finest performance of his career.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

nikos3194

Jul 24, 2023

A classic movie that has stood the test of time. It’s a movie that explores the themes of justice, prejudice, and the power of persuasion. The film is a masterclass in storytelling and character development.

The story takes place entirely in one room and follows the deliberations of a juryA classic movie that has stood the test of time. It’s a movie that explores the themes of justice, prejudice, and the power of persuasion. The film is a masterclass in storytelling and character development.

The story takes place entirely in one room and follows the deliberations of a jury as they decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. The film is a powerful commentary on the American justice system and the flaws that exist within it.

The performances in the film are outstanding, with each actor bringing their character to life in a unique and memorable way. The film is a testament to the power of great writing and great acting.

Overall, 12 Angry Men is an exceptional movie that deserves all the praise it has received over the years. It’s a movie that will make you think deeply about justice, prejudice, and the human condition. The film is a must-see for anyone who loves cinema and wants to experience something truly special.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

maniknath

Jul 28, 2020

it seems cool,very informative and protesting drama.i have ever seen like that before

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

Broyax

Apr 20, 2022

Pour un film de Sidney Lumet, c’est étonnamment regardable. Il faut dire que le réalisateur de somnifères s’est limité à une heure et demi, ce qui est déjà conséquent pour un tel huis-clos procédurier. Ici, on ne suit pas le procès mais on refait le procès en coulisses et on s’engueule… etPour un film de Sidney Lumet, c’est étonnamment regardable. Il faut dire que le réalisateur de somnifères s’est limité à une heure et demi, ce qui est déjà conséquent pour un tel huis-clos procédurier. Ici, on ne suit pas le procès mais on refait le procès en coulisses et on s’engueule… et surtout on assiste à un numéro de manipulation magistral !

Pensez donc, un homme seul retourne les 11 autres comme des crèpes ! au nom bien sûr de la lutte (finale) contre l’affreuse peine capitale et parce que cet homme seul est un bisounours à faire mourir de honte Jésus et potentiellement un communiste refoulé : on ne voit pas d’autre explication.

Car les faits sont tout de même patents et ressassés, puis balayés au fur et à mesure par des interprétations sujettes à caution et particulièrement discutables. Il aurait fallu une affaire bien plus ambigüe pour rétablir la balance et partant, le doute.

Ici, on a l’impression fort désagréable de s’être fait manipuler pendant une heure et demi : tout était écrit d’avance et les faits s’y sont pliés bien gentiment, ne nous laissant qu’une illusion de rebondissements qui n’en sont pas. Non, on avale pas de telles couleuvres : récusez ce film en définitive bien merdique qui se fout de notre gueule !… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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