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12 Angry Men (1957)

Started by Mr. DS, February 19, 2011, 12:33:43 PM

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Mr. DS

This is one of those films I always stop to watch.  To me its a perfect example of great acting on all parts.  The best part of it all it takes place in one room and it never gets boring.  Its also a perfect film for sociology. 

Perhaps my favorite juror throughout is the broker.  He's so damn cool and calm. 
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"You think the honey badger cares?  It doesn't give a sh*t."  Randall

Andrew

This is a fantastic film, and it makes you think about how our beliefs influence what we see as the truth.  Fonda's character steadily makes his fellow jurors face the real truth, and themselves.  It is also, like you said, a great set of performances from the cast.

For a really interesting double feature, try watching both this and "Rashomon" the same night. 
Andrew Borntreger
Badmovies.org

The Burgomaster

One of my favorites.  I've seen it dozens of times and own the DVD.  Riveting.
"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone."

ulthar

A fantastic film...one of the best of all time in my book.

I like these combinations as double features:

12 ANGRY MEN and Mr. ROBERTS

12 ANGRY MEN and THE CAINE MUTINY
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Professor Hathaway:  I noticed you stopped stuttering.
Bodie:      I've been giving myself shock treatments.
Professor Hathaway: Up the voltage.

--Real Genius

InformationGeek

I have not seen it yet, but really want to.  It looks very good and I wonder how good it can be for a movie that takes place in basically one room.  I hope its good, because most classic movies I have been seeing have felt extremely overhyped (Psycho, Blade Runner, Silence of the Lambs).
Website: http://informationgeekreviews.blogspot.com/

We live in quite an interesting age. You can tell someone's sexual orientation and level of education from just their interests.

Andrew

Quote from: InformationGeek on February 19, 2011, 07:17:56 PM
I have not seen it yet, but really want to.  It looks very good and I wonder how good it can be for a movie that takes place in basically one room.  I hope its good, because most classic movies I have been seeing have felt extremely overhyped (Psycho, Blade Runner, Silence of the Lambs).

This is definitely in a different class than the three films you mention.  However, if you do not like "12 Angry Men" when you see it, I suggest waiting about 10 years and then watching it again.  As a younger man, I did not appreciate it as I do now. 
Andrew Borntreger
Badmovies.org

ulthar

Quote from: Andrew on February 19, 2011, 07:23:06 PM
Quote from: InformationGeek on February 19, 2011, 07:17:56 PM
I have not seen it yet, but really want to.  It looks very good and I wonder how good it can be for a movie that takes place in basically one room.  I hope its good, because most classic movies I have been seeing have felt extremely overhyped (Psycho, Blade Runner, Silence of the Lambs).

This is definitely in a different class than the three films you mention.  However, if you do not like "12 Angry Men" when you see it, I suggest waiting about 10 years and then watching it again.  As a younger man, I did not appreciate it as I do now. 

And it merits specific mention for younger viewers that might be interested that this is a dialog heavy film, not 'action' driven at all.  It's strength comes from what it makes you think about portrayed via VERY strong acting performances and excellent characterization.

It's sad to me that films of this caliber are getting lost on modern audiences as being perceived as being "boring" because there are no explosions, car crashes, sex or profanity-laden quips as the good buy bests the bad guy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Professor Hathaway:  I noticed you stopped stuttering.
Bodie:      I've been giving myself shock treatments.
Professor Hathaway: Up the voltage.

--Real Genius

The Burgomaster

This also makes a great double feature with any of the following:

* ANATOMY OF A MURDER
* WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION
* JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG
"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone."

InformationGeek

Quote from: ulthar on February 19, 2011, 07:30:28 PM
It's sad to me that films of this caliber are getting lost on modern audiences as being perceived as being "boring" because there are no explosions, car crashes, sex or profanity-laden quips as the good buy bests the bad guy.

I agree.  I want to expand my horizons on different films and watch films of higher class than the action stuff (even if those films are fun).
Website: http://informationgeekreviews.blogspot.com/

We live in quite an interesting age. You can tell someone's sexual orientation and level of education from just their interests.

RCMerchant

One of the best films ever made. I actually teared up I actually caught myself choking up-that dont happen.And it wasnt romantic!
Supernatural?...perhaps. Baloney?...Perhaps not!" Bela Lugosi-the BLACK CAT (1934)
Interviewer-"Does Dracula ever end for you?
Lugosi-"No. Dracula-never ends."
Slobber, Drool, Drip!
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Leah

I like, but not as much as Casablanca. :smile:
yeah no.

Allhallowsday

Quote from: Andrew on February 19, 2011, 01:40:08 PM
...For a really interesting double feature, try watching both this and "Rashomon" the same night. 
I think this would be an excellent double feature.  Other suggestions are sort of ham handed.   :smile:
12 ANGRY MEN is a great film, driven by great performances.  It's a film about justice, and the subjectivity of truth.  RASHOMON is too.
If you want to view paradise . . . simply look around and view it!

Hammock Rider

There are some great match-ups with 12 Angry Men here. Another one might be Inherit the Wind.
Jumping Kings and Making Haste Ain't my Cup of Meat

Allhallowsday

Quote from: Hammock Rider on February 21, 2011, 12:12:52 PM
There are some great match-ups with 12 Angry Men here. Another one might be Inherit the Wind.
Okay, fair enough for the era, and considering the other suggestions.  (BTW I started a thread here I think just about FREDRIC MARCH's performance in INHERIT THE WIND).  But, 12 ANGRY MEN can only loosely be described as a "courtroom drama".  We are only very briefly in the courtroom.  It's a jury room drama!!   :buggedout: :smile:  
If you want to view paradise . . . simply look around and view it!

The Burgomaster

Quote from: Allhallowsday on February 21, 2011, 09:49:26 PM
Quote from: Hammock Rider on February 21, 2011, 12:12:52 PM
There are some great match-ups with 12 Angry Men here. Another one might be Inherit the Wind.
Okay, fair enough for the era, and considering the other suggestions.  (BTW I started a thread here I think just about FREDRIC MARCH's performance in INHERIT THE WIND).  But, 12 ANGRY MEN can only loosely be described as a "courtroom drama".  We are only very briefly in the courtroom.  It's a jury room drama!!   :buggedout: :smile:  

True, but it has the same type of electrifying dialogue and "piecing together of a mystery" as some of the coutroom dramas mentioned here.  Movies that can stay afloat on great dialogue and strong acting are a dying breed.  Most of them end up being considered "art" films and therefore get a limited theatrical release and have unimpressive box office numbers.  But I'd rather sit through 12 ANGRY MEN ten times in a row than sit through the next big budget blockbuster ten times in a row.  I find something new every time I watch 12 ANGRY MEN and other movies that celebrate good dialogue.

"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone."