12 Angry Men Reviews | RateItAll

12 Angry Men

1957 American courtroom drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, adapted from a 1954 teleplay of the same name by Reginald Rose Website

Approval Rate: 88%

88%Approval ratio

Reviews 29

Sort by:
  • by

    inchapp691

    Sun Jul 02 2023

    It's my favorite movie of all time. Yes, it's black & white, and it only takes place in one room, however maybe that's what made it so good: the storyline is what had to deliver (no escape into special effects etc.). It is psychologically brilliant, and almost every time I watch it again, I discover something new. For example, did you notice that almost every juror had a different reason to get to the guilty verdict? On the face of it, it's because they think he's guilty. But if you look closer, you'll realize that the paths they took to come to that conclusion are very different. One of them just wants the discussion over as soon as possible, to get to a baseball game. Another wanted personal revenge. Yet another fell into the trap of being convinced too early in the case, not paying attention to the following evidence. Another one just followed the majority. And like this it goes on... What would I give if today's movies came anywhere close to that level.

  • by

    nesher

    Fri Jan 04 2008

    Very strong movie that leaves you in thoughts long after you finished it. Excellent play by Fonda. The new remake "12" by Nikita Mikhalkov is even better, but you need to take in an account the many years difference. Also, "12" has been reposted in the different reality and time frame (Russian, our time).

  • by

    spike65

    Thu Aug 23 2007

    A fine movie. Lee J. Cobb could have cut his bellowing about 20 decibels though and would have been just as effective. Great cast, very good story.

  • by

    rosebowlhawk

    Mon Mar 20 2006

    A very fine movie. Keeps you interested and focused on the discussion, which diverts your attention from the limited setting. Definately a wonderful film.

  • by

    who4ee97

    Tue Aug 23 2005

    Boo was the best!

  • by

    canadasucks

    Wed Apr 27 2005

    Good movie based on a stage play. Might not be for everyone, but a well-written and well-acted drama that takes place in a jury deliberation room. Underrated classic film.

  • by

    mad_hatter

    Sat Dec 11 2004

    I actually played Fonda's role in a school play. Defintely a great movie.

  • by

    grouper

    Wed Jul 28 2004

    Rediculous- Fonda makes himself both defense attorney and witness during deliberations- Politicak Correct Claptrap

  • by

    lilypopdavis

    Wed May 19 2004

    What?!?!?! How does this movie rate this high? It's fine....

  • by

    declinedcard

    Thu Apr 29 2004

    This movie was so great! Fonda uses great logic to make sure justice is done-Innocent until proven guilty!

  • by

    ladyshark4534

    Wed Feb 25 2004

    I'm not a fan of old movies, but I loved this one. It depicts wisdom, humor, and style. A good courtroom drama as well as a movie for those who love the true meaning of justice!

  • by

    edwardnortonfa_n

    Sun Jan 18 2004

    One of the greatest movies ever made and its a shame it didn't make AFI's 100 Best movies list. A terrific script and excellent acting make 12 Angry Men a timeless classic.The whole movie takes place in one room and still hold your attention!Brilliant!

  • by

    st_martin

    Wed Nov 19 2003

    Best film I ever seen and I don't usually like Henry Fonca

  • by

    tvtator

    Sat Nov 15 2003

    Great character study with a superb cast. If you want a movie with action, thrills, suspense, and romance then you won't find it here. But if you want great acting and a storyline that will make you think then this movie is for you. The movie starred Henry Fonda who works hard to convince some jurors that a murder case is not so clear cut. The jurors are a who's who of character actors- Martin Balsam, Lee J Cobb, John Fiedler, Ed Begley, Jack Warden, Jack Klugman and more. A stand-out classic film.

  • by

    loadf19d

    Thu May 23 2002

    Call me a sucker for films that take place within an enclosed environment, because this film, along with many others of its kind, is one of my absolute favorite movies. Fueled with emotion and running primarily on the performances of the actors, "Twelve Angry Men" is an excellent example of the many different fascettes of the human condition. A coincidence is possible, no matter how fantastic, and this film proves it.

  • by

    shockcorridor

    Mon Jan 14 2002

    One of the best examples of ensemble acting on film, headed by the ever-reliable Henry Fonda (who was also one of the producers of the film). Also wonderfully controlled (and confined) sense of direction by the often underrated veteran Sidney Lumet (The Verdict, Network).

  • by

    stud_in_americ_a

    Tue Dec 04 2001

    A magnificent movie that toally whole heartedly rocks. Probably the best court room drama ever. It has superb acting by screen greats; Henry Fonda, Jack Warden, Lee J. Cobb, and Martin Balsam. Though it is set in a jury room, and besides the 12 jurors has only 3 other main faces, it is one fabulous movie. The script is perfect and acting amazingly realistic to a jury room. Total 5 star fair.

  • by

    thevirus07042

    Thu Nov 22 2001

    #6 wow, this would be in my top 20 but im glad to see it this high though. Fantastic screenplay. 12 guys sitting in a room for an hour and half. And it's compelling!

  • by

    loneusfullhous_efan

    Fri Sep 28 2001

    A trully brilliant film. I saw it for the first time in a government class in the 8th grade, and it has been my all time favorite film ever since. The debate, the arguments, the analysis of evidence, the overall psychological drama. I fell in love with it. This film convinced me that I wanted to become an attorney. I understand there is a play form of this film. Where could I find it?

  • by

    castlebee

    Mon Jun 25 2001

    This movie, though impeccably written and wonderfully acted convinced me that I never wanted to be on a jury - especially if it involved a capital crime. Egad! The tedium, the back and forth "is he guilty is he innocent", badgering, debating arguing on and on into the night! If you enjoy tense, tight dialog in a claustrophobic setting - this flick is for you! Glad I saw it once, but once was more than enough.

  • by

    atomicsox

    Thu May 10 2001

    This is a classic movie in the philosophy of using a minimum of sets (obviously). It is basically a story signifying the importance of holding one's convictions even in the face of complete opposition when one believes they are right, and may have a perception, and a perspective, which others may be lacking. It also is a classic in the art of persuasion of others towards one's own point of view. All the characters are also excellently cast. A very good, worthwhile movie.

  • by

    sectioneight40_77

    Thu Feb 08 2001

    We had to read the play for school and I think it was really fun getting in to the characters.

  • by

    johnny_roulette

    Mon Oct 30 2000

    An incredible, no frills masterpiece!

  • by

    reddwood

    Tue Oct 17 2000

    12 Angry Men follows the court case of a young boy who is accused of murdering his father. Extremely well acted with Henry Fonda as the sole questioner of the boy's guilt until the end. Entire movie takes plae in one room.

  • by

    jdipiazza

    Mon Oct 16 2000

    You wouldn't think a whole movie about a jury room could be interesting. It isn't... it's amazing! Highly recommended.

  • by

    njustin

    Mon Oct 16 2000

    This film has excellent cinematography and builds suspense. The characters are well developed and the film raises issues of justice and really makes the audience think about the details of the crime.

  • by

    rocket

    Tue Oct 03 2000

    12 Angry Men made me sick.

  • by

    mrma8918om

    Fri Jul 21 2000

    I feel so claustraphobic every time I watch that movie

  • by

    ruby9916

    Fri Dec 17 1999

    There should be more movies like this -- stories of courageous individuals standing up to group think or complacent norms. Shawshank Redemption is my favorite of these, but this belongs in the same category.