12 Angry Men (1957)

 

Genre: Crime/Thriller

Time: 1h 35 mins

Director: Sidney Lumet

Quick Summary: In a hot jury room in New York City, 12 men discuss the innocence or guilt of a teenager accused of murdering his father. As time passes, they begin to question their own values and morals.

Never in my life have I been so engrossed in a film that is set in one room

I'll be honest the first fifteen minutes I wasn't really feeling this, it takes a while to really get going but once it does you'll be hooked. It manages to keep the space fresh with characters constantly moving around, the camera following them and panning to various others as they mull around the room. It goes from observer to a target as it focuses on various characters as the story goes on.

The sheer brilliance of this is just outstanding because it doesn't just keep your interest, it demands your attention from start to finish, and I promise it's for the best. The writing is snappy and the pacing is perfect, the story just flows so smoothly from one thing to the next. What's better yet its emotional and even today it's relatable. It scrutinises the many weaknesses people have, prejudices, preconceived ideas, anger and personal grievance, but it's balanced out by showing the exact opposite, bravery, faith, intelligence, the ability to listen and question. 

Another thing that is kinda subtle but I honestly really liked was that the 12 men that are gathered here, anyone can relate to. Various personalities are grouped in one room. It keeps things simple and doesn't explain their backstories unless it's to further the plot and be substantial to why people are reacting as they are. Which I'm glad about because everything you see or hear is relevant and keeps the runtime down. It isn't padded out with unnecessary information. Even stuff that is casually mentioned is important.

Now I am a sucker for monologues and this is full of them. This one uses them the best I have ever seen, throwing around emotions and creating such an atmosphere. The acting is brilliant. I honestly forgot I was actually watching a film as I became so engrossed in everything.

I still think about this film daily and I can't express just how impressive this is. Honestly I don't think I have ever had such a perfect film that I believe will always stand the test of time. This fully deserves to be called a classic. The story is told perfectly as layer by layer things are revealed, opinions change, things are looked at in more detail. If you haven't seen this. Do it.

10/10