12 ANGRY MENÂ is one of the most well-known and critically acclaimed films of the past 60 years. It has also been ranked fifth on IMDb’s Top 250 Movies for years now. Twelve jurors begin to discuss whether or not a teenager has brutally murdered his father.
A guilty conviction will automatically result in the boy being sentenced to death. Eleven of the 12 are adamant that he committed the crime, and are ready to convict. However, one believes there is reasonable doubt in the case and begins to try to encourage the group of brash and loud men to listen carefully to the details of the case – reminding them that a boy’s life is in their hands.
The film is a great example to use when arguing with someone about the power of dialogue. We’ve all had a heated discussion with someone who claims a film has to take place in more than one location in order to be exciting, or an even more heated argument with someone who claims a film should include at least one car chase, explosion, or fist fight. 12 Angry Men includes none of these (except one small scuffle) but is still engaging enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. As the jurors begin to begrudgingly discuss the factors of the case, you begin to see the terrifying flaws in the justice system. Of the 12 jurors, one is racist, one is desperate to get to a baseball game, another has problems at home and is applying these problems to the case, and several are just bored. The film shows how many different factors can apply to a verdict in a court case.
Most of the film takes place inside this one room, where the men discuss the finer details of the case. These range from the type of knife used, the physical health of the witnesses, the accused boy’s race, and the timing of trains. Because you have heard no evidence from the case and are only privy to the discussion, you get to try to decide whether or not you believe the boy is guilty. This type of audience engagement is rare, but very effective. Henry Fonda is excellent as the quiet man who challenges 11 men’s verdicts – most of whom are loud and very angry.
The climax of the film is essentially the jurors discovering all of their flaws and realising they are being biased in their initial decisions. 12 Angry Men is an important film to watch, the fact that it has remained popular and well-liked since 1957 shows how well-made it is. It is a film purely carried by the quality of the script and the dialogue, alongside some of the great performances. Overall, you will enjoy 12 Angry Men if you give it a chance. It may not seem like the most action-packed film ever, but it’s a film that will stay with you for a while.
