Today’s quick review: 12 Angry Men. Locked in a sweltering jury room with tempers running high, twelve jurors deliberate the fate of a teenage boy accused of murdering his father. The case should be open-and-shut: two witnesses and a variety of circumstantial evidence incriminate the boy. But one juror (Henry Fonda) refuses to condemn the boy without a full discussion. As he forces the other jurors to reexamine the case, a different picture emerges.
12 Angry Men is a classic legal drama about civics, bigotry, and the presumption of innocence. The premise is simple: twelve jurors hold the life of a teenage boy in their hands, and only one tenacious skeptic stands between him and the electric chair. 12 Angry Men is a masterpiece of craft, with impeccable writing, artful blocking, and nuanced acting. Short and to the point, the film uses simple tools to excellent effect.
The bedrock of 12 Anrgy Men is its writing. The script appears to be wholly organic, yet its beats are expertly orchestrated. The jurors are carefully chosen to represent a whole range of personality types, personal prejudices, and attitudes towards the judicial system. Out of their arguments fall, as if by magic, significant lessons about ethics, hypocrisy, and responsibility. The lessons are clear and penetrating without seeming forced, a rare feat.
The other part of 12 Angry Men’s success is how the script comes to life. Henry Fonda leads an effective and well-balanced ensemble cast who imbue their roles with authenticity. Fonda himself strikes the right balance between assertive and humble, pushing the jurors towards a better understanding of the case without crossing over into egotism. The last piece of the puzzle is masterful cinematography that makes a one-room setting feel dynamic.
12 Anrgy Men is a minimalistic work of art that earns its place as a classic. The film is a must-see for fans of classic cinema, a case study in grounded writing, and a worthy watch for anyone intrigued by the premise. 12 Angry Men will not appeal to everyone, but its sheer quality and uplifting message give it much broader reach than the typical legal drama.
8.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.0 to 8.5 for a simple but effective premise and masterful craftsmanship.