#333. 12 Angry Men
- Year: 1957
- Country: USA
- Production: MGM, United Artists, 96m B&W
- Director: Sidney Lumet
- Producer: Henry Fonda, Reginald Rose
- Screenplay: Reginald Rose
- Photography: Boris Kaufman
- Music: Kenyon Hopkins
- Cast: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, E.G. Marshall, Martin Balsam, Jack Warden
- Oscar Noms: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay
- Berlin International Film Festival: Golden Bear
- Blog Club Rating: 9.5/10
Abridged Book Description[]
Sidney Lumet's courtroom drama enjoys enduring popularity because it is a hothouse for smart performances, sudden twists, and impassioned monologues. Uniquely, the brilliantly economical and riveting drama of 12 Angry Men does not actually take place in the courtroom - except for a brief prologue as the jury is sent out with the judge's instructions - but during a single, sweltering afternoon in the jury room... Each actor makes his mark in this showcase of superb characterizations and ensemble dynamics, from Martin Balsam's insecure foreman to Lee J. Cobb's belligerent, embittered Juror No. 3... The film won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival but its greatest accolade is that after seeing this picture no one ever enters into jury duty without fantasizing about becoming a dogged champion of justice à la Fonda, whatever the case at hand.