12 Angry Men Review

What I liked: The story telling was very interesting and quite different from other movies I have seen. All we see is the inside of the jury room we hear nothing of the trial or anyone besides the jurors. I was impressed that the film was able to keep my attention and move a plot along with a single setting and an effective cast of 12. It is an interesting look into how we make decisions and what people actually notice. The jury was very diverse and fairly well represented all the stereotypical characters one would find in a microcosm.

What I didn’t: I think there were several breaches of jury rules, like reading a newspaper and buying/bringing a switchblade to court. This and the complete little microcosm puts the film safely in things we should think about territory rather than let’s depict a court case territory.

Who should watch it: This is a cultural literacy piece. Theoretically everyone should watch it or at least know what it’s about.

Would I watch it again? Sure. I would throw it in the category with To kill a Mockingbird or Inherit the Wind. Probably not a go to for a relaxing Friday night but a good film and rewatchable.

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