12 Angry Men (Matt)

12 Angry Men is a movie that is pretty unique. It is about a group of men on a jury having to decide the verdict of a 18 year old kid that is being tried for killing his father. If they convict him then he will be given the death penalty. The entire movie (excepting I think 2 or 3 scenes) takes place in a single room. There isn't any action really, no clear antagonist, just a group of men debating the innocence of a man on trial.

This movie addresses a lot of major social issues including prejudice and apathy. It makes a very clear point that when it comes to issues people tend to generally accept what they "feel" on first glance instead of actually thinking it through and reaching an educated decision.

I'm going to start this off by saying I honestly feel like this movie should be required viewing for American citizens. The point that is makes so matter-of-factly is very important. The life of this man hangs in the balance of the jury's decision, and in the beginning they almost all are ready to send him to his death. He was from a bad part of town, he must have done it. He had a bad childhood, I'm sure he killed his father. When the facts were analyzed these assumptions were disproven and the men learned a bit about themselves as well.

The acting I think speaks for itself. The entire movie is nothing but acting. In fact, this could have just as easily been a play. The movie is all dialogue, and the emotions portrayed by the men are easily readable yet still they reside on the edge of complexity. You can relate to every character in there and you likely know several people just like them, which is a big kudos to the writing as well.

I can't say much for the cinematography, as there was only one room to shoot, however I will say that the cameras working with the set made the entire movie feel claustrophobic, which I've read was the intent of the director. So that is worth mentioning.

The way that this story is told is very interesting. We see absolutely none of the trial take place. All the details of the trial are given to us via the men discussing the verdict. As they talk to each other and debate the young man's fate, slowly a picture of the crime scene begins to form in the viewer's minds. We first have only what the juror's mention to form the crime in our minds, and as a result it's easy to fall into league with the men and assume that the verdict should be guilty. As we hear the men debate though, new things come to light and we are brought around just like any of the men could be. This was amazing. Whoever wrote this deserves major accolades.

You should see this movie. It doesn't matter if you like it or not, watch it and pay attention to it. What it has to say is very important and is worth an hour or so of your life.

9 broken fans out of 10

~Matt