12 Angry Men, directed by Sidney Lumet and released in 1957, is a gripping courtroom drama that centers on the deliberations of a jury tasked with deciding the fate of a young man accused of murder. The film is renowned for its powerful themes of justice, prejudice, and the moral responsibility of jurors.
12 Angry Men - Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
movie: | 12 Angry Men |
IMDB Rating: | 8.9/10 |
Genre: | Drama |
Language: | English |
Director: | Sidney Lumet |
Main Cast: | Henry Fonda as Juror Lee J. Cobb as Juror Ed Begley as Juror E.G. Marshall as Juror |
Release Date: | April 10, 1957 |
Banner: | Orion-Nova Productions United Artists |
Music: | Not available |
Budget: | $350,000 |
Runtime: | 96 minutes |
The narrative unfolds almost entirely in a single room, where twelve jurors convene to discuss the case. The young defendant is accused of killing his father, and a guilty verdict would mean a mandatory death sentence. As the jurors begin their deliberations, it quickly becomes apparent that many are inclined to convict based on circumstantial evidence and their biases. However, Juror #8 (Henry Fonda), the only one initially voting “not guilty,” raises critical questions about the evidence and the reliability of witness testimonies.
Through intense discussions and heated debates, the film explores the jurors’ varying backgrounds, personalities, and moral convictions. Juror #8 exemplifies reason and compassion, challenging his fellow jurors to consider the possibility of reasonable doubt. As tensions rise, personal prejudices and life experiences surface, influencing their judgments. The film’s dialogue is sharp and compelling, showcasing the jurors’ conflicts as they confront their own biases and the weight of their decision.