Ultimately the film is a marvel to watch and to appreciate

Rating: Null/10 (31 October 1999)

The premise of setting a film in one room for 90 minutes during a trial on the hottest day in New York. Is an incredible challenge to any scriptwriter and director Potentially a disaster waiting to happen. Lumet's direction and Rose's script give the film an atmosphere which drips with sweat and tension. Boris Kaufman's camera work, forever up front and direct with his in you face shots gives the film its claustrophobia and tautness
Giving that this is Sydney Lumet's first film, makes the film an even bigger accomplishment. And is the seed from which the majority of his films have explored. All dealing with the law and those that brake it and corrupt it, all delivered in fine taunt thriller form, with which he has become synonymous whether for, 혩Serpico', The Anderson Tapes', 혩Dog Day Afternoon', 혩Q & A' and most recently 혩Night Falls on Manhattan'.
To make it truly captivating which it is, is a bonus especially as we didn't see the crime so even we cannot as the audience make an opinion . We are in the same boat as the jury. The cast is led by Henry Fonda who honestly cannot say the young black is guilty, so the story goes from their. From the script and its tackling of the American law and how on the surface a man may seem guilty, but is innocent until proven guilty. The films genius lies in Rose's script, and its imaginative use of the various members of the jury which fuel the narrative. Then how each member maybe swayed or has certain prejudices which come to light throughout the film. In doing so makes it compelling and a stunning piece of ensemble cast acting if their ever is one. Each have their moment to shine, igniting the story further, giving the film an impetus. Without which the film would have become as static as one would think because of its one location. Ultimately the film is a marvel to watch and to appreciate on every level of film making