Die 12 Geschworenen

A celebration and a critique of democratic principles all in one. The atmosphere is beautifully constructed, in which the tropical heat is just the basis. Lumet's attention to detail can be seen at every step, and with each passing minute, the thickening atmosphere of uncertainty forms beads of sweat on the actors' faces, drawing the viewer further into the unknown game where the logic of the screenplay is directly shaped by the compelling questioning of even the most unshakable court evidence. A claustrophobic thriller and courtroom drama have converged into a unique film that extracted the maximum from its own simplicity. Ninety-five minutes of excellent filmmaking that showcases the fickleness of human opinions under the weight of the societal climate and how challenging it is to go against the established prejudices of social nature. Indeed, even democracy has more colors than just black and white. (26.10.2005)

For mysterious reasons, I've missed out on this generally well-known film for decades, even though it must have aired on TV a long time ago and probably repeatedly. I am therefore not influenced by nostalgia, and in fact, I saw a remake of it by Nikita Mikhalkov some time ago. If you don't have the opportunity to see the compared films at the same time, it is better to avoid comparison, as relying on memories can be deceitful. However, it is true that Mikhalkov's version seemed disproportionately more impressive and fresh to me. In the 1950s, Lumet's film undoubtedly represented a fundamental element of the courtroom drama genre. It was a film that rightfully stood out among the productions of that time. However, from my point of view, it has lost its impact. I also find the selection of actors and their portrayal inappropriate. The drama flows without any surprises, and the actors diligently fulfill the predictable roles assigned to them by the director, I guessed the order in which the opinions of 10 out of the 12 jurors would change, and that is definitely not a good credential. Usually, I don't have a problem with the theatrical appearance of a film, or with "talkative" movies. But this is an exception. Overall impression: 55%. (20.10.2018)

It doesn't take much to make a top drama: one room, twelve great actors and brilliantly written dialogue. And I guarantee you that this film will grab your attention very quickly and you won't take your eyes off it. There was a color remake in the 1980s, I haven't seen it, but I doubt it would top this old masterpiece. (11.05.2003)

A breathtaking spectacle with truly amazing actors who perfectly convincingly portray characters with precisely defined personalities but with changing opinions and unpredictable psyches. Lumet simply directed a brilliantly gripping drama, where even a scene of imitating an elderly person's walk stretches the viewer to the breaking point. And the best thing about it is that the point is not whether the defendant is guilty or innocent, but whether it is possible to question his guilt. (06.02.2007)

One room and twelve white men from different walks of life, with different personalities and each with absolutely different origins. Their twelve different perspectives on one court case. Truth isn’t the issue here. It’s about whether the evidence is convincing enough to find somebody guilty on the basis of it, and send him to the gallows. Perfect dialogs, actors and rising tension in the atmosphere. But mainly the screenplay. Twelve Angry Men isn’t just one of many good court movies; it is one of the very best. A feature film debut not equaled by many. (04.08.2007)