Based on the teleplay by Reginald Rose from 1954, this epic courtroom drama from director Sidney Lumet is an insightful exploration of the American people and their justice system.
Set entirely within a courthouse, the story is of twelve jurors deliberating a capital murder case. Henry Fonda plays the only juror who is unconvinced of the accused's guilt, and as he attempts to open discussion on the case, emotions run high and true characters are unearthed. Issues of class, race, culture and American heritage reveal themselves, and the twelve jurors enter into a series of heated debates, some related to the case, and some not. Aspects of the case which seemed unbreakable are shown in a new light by Fonda, and the jurors must face the possibility of a different perspective, which has serious implications.
A demon of a script pushes this film into the iconic list of great movies. The intelligence of the words, and the pace given to them by an awesome cast, gives the impression of a great play, but with the added benefits of movie production. Fonda is unforgettable as juror number eight, a truly remarkable performance. All of the cast deserve applause and praise for their devotion to a great script, giving the characters a stark realism which makes the film so intense.
Some elements of the film date it, such as the old fashioned music score, and the use of fades between scenes, but this seems to give it an historic value, rather than diminishing its quality. The camera work is superb, flitting between several different conversations with smooth ease, and the stifling atmosphere in the room is conveyed expertly with great set pieces by the director, who has created a masterpiece.
Without question, one of the best films of the 20th century.
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