The defense and the prosecution have rested and the jury is filing into the jury room to decide if a young Spanish-American is guilty or innocent of murdering his father. What begins as an open and shut case soon becomes a mini-drama of each of the jurors' prejudices and preconceptions about the trial, the accused, and each other.
Nominated for 3 Oscars. 17 wins & 13 nominations total
Top Critics Reviews
fresh:
Although it may sound ungallant, these 12 Angry Men, are all right without distaff glamour. Their dramas are powerful and provocative enough to keep a viewer spellbound.
– A.H. Weiler,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
A strangely realistic thriller.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
fresh:
Mechanically written, but within its own middlebrow limitations, it delivers the goods.
– Jonathan Rosenbaum,
Chicago Reader,
26 Jun 2007
fresh:
The film leaves a tremendous impact.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
30 Jun 2008
fresh:
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.