12 Angry Men
Director: Sidney Lumet
Actors: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam
PlotIn a hot and stuffy jury room, twelve men are tasked with determining the guilt or innocence of a young defendant accused of murder. At the outset, nearly all jurors are convinced the boy is guilty, ready to deliver a swift verdict. However, Juror 8, standing alone in his uncertainty, insists on discussing the evidence in detail. He believes there is reasonable doubt and urges the others to reconsider their initial impressions. This sets off a heated debate as the jurors examine the case more closely, revealing their biases, prejudices, and personal issues.
As they re-evaluate testimonies and scrutinize the facts, tensions rise, and conflicts among the jurors intensify. They revisit the credibility of witnesses, the reliability of the alibi, and the plausibility of the boy's account of events. Throughout the process, alliances form and dissolve while key pieces of evidence are dissected, gradually swaying opinions. The claustrophobic setting amplifies the drama as the jurors confront their moral and ethical responsibilities in their quest for justice.
Writers: Reginald Rose
Release Date: 10 Apr 1957
Runtime: 96 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Criterion's Blu-ray of "12 Angry Men" offers an exceptional black-and-white transfer, solid audio, and insightful supplements, making it very highly recommended.
Read our review of 12 Angry Men Blu-ray to find out more