12 angry men1

Many movies start with promising premises that end up only partially fulfilled, but 12 ANGRY MEN never disappoints. The rich drama with minimalist sets occurs almost completely within the confines of a jury room. The incredibly strong ensemble cast for the jury includes: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, E.G. Marshall, Jack Warden, Jack Klugman, Edward Binns, Joseph Sweeney, Martin Balsam, George Voskovec, John Fiedler and Robert Webber. To further minimize distractions, we never …

…vote guilty as quickly as possible so he can get to the ballpark. The black-and-white cinematography makes each member of the audience feel like a 13th juror. And the wailing, music provides a somber atmosphere without ever overpowering. The only fault found was with Lumet's direction is that the last holdout for guilty is allowed to convert all too abruptly. Nevertheless, 12 ANGRY MEN is a nearly perfect drama to be savored by generation after generation.