As fresh and gripping the third time as it was the first!

Rating: 9/10 (15 February 2003)

Can a film about 12 men sitting in a jury room deliberating the fate of one young man accused of murder be as exciting as any action film you've ever seen? Maybe! This movie takes place almost entirely in one room, but there is more going on in that room than you'd ever believe. This film fascinated me from beginning to end. I've seen it three times recently and it seemed just as fresh and gripping the third time as it did the first. What makes this movie so great? First of all, the script and the characters are intricate and well developed. Second of all, the acting from the ensemble cast is uniformly riveting. Third, the camera work in this film is the best you'll ever see anywhere. Fourth, the movie has something to say about about prejudice and justice without being preachy. It simply is on a search for truth. For my money, this is one of the finest dramas ever made. Henry Fonda is right on target as the architect who has reasonable doubts. Each of the other 11 actors give stellar performances of unique men who open up like books as the story proceeds. You'll be thinking about this movie long after the jury has reached a verdict. This movie is as relevant today as it was 45 years ago. Don't miss it. I give it a 94/100!