12 ANGRY MEN (1957) - FIRST TIME WATCHING! - movie reaction!

[@bryanfox5457]

Juror #3's "not guilty" at the end really hits. I've always felt it was meant for his son, as well as his vote on the verdict.

[@karentargaryen7959]

This movie really is a gem. The entire movie in one room, no action, no CGI, just a great script and 12 great actors. Glad you liked it so much!!

[@bplup6419]

"Why are these men so angr- oh right the title." Got a good laugh out of me.

[@neil2444]

"You can't just have your characters announce how they feel! That makes me feel angry!" ―Beelzebot, Futurama

[@bplup6419]

@@neil2444 "As a robot i cant feel emotions, and sometimes that makes me feel sad."- Bender B. Rodriguez

[@markmayville688]

I'm an older American and have only been on a jury one time. This movie was a big influence on that experience. When we went to the jury room after the trial the first vote was 9 guilty and 3 not guilty. I was one of the 3. My attitude was, prove to me why this person should be sent to prison. All the other jurors seemed to be in a hurry to get home. I was thinking justice is the number one priority.

[@rexxraul]

I had a similar experience (although I hadn't seen this movie yet) - and I was one of those who initially thought the defendant was guilty - though by the end we did find the defendant not guilty. When I finally saw this movie it rang so true.

[@mikesied]

Thank you for honoring the immense service it is to judge another

[@davidpost428]

I was on a jury where on two of the charges I was the only one thinking "guilty" and I thought of this movie at that time. The others did convince me and in the end I felt that Justice had been done. We considered five charges in total.

[@thewiseoldherper7047]

A jury of your peers is still the best method of judgment. It’s not perfect and It can be wrong but it’s much better than to be judged by one or a few professional judges whose goal is to run you through the court system as fast as possible so they can go home early. You act like a system giving government officials(judges) omnipotent power over its citizens would be more fair.

[@annaclarafenyo8185]

@@thewiseoldherper7047 Giving a tribunal of judges omnipotent power is more fair than a jury selected with lawyers present. It isn't more fair than a truly random jury. But you won't get that anymore, not ever, because of constant lawyer objections to any independent minded people.

[@brianherr2699]

This movie is a brilliant social commentary and the acting is world class.

[@unstrung65]

Almost every actor there is a fairly well known character actor , or star.

[@mikesied]

@@unstrung65 I cant say i know all of these actors. but most of them have made a name

[@mikesied]

@@unstrung65 Henry fonda is clearly the most accomplsihed. Jack Kulgman the next most recognizable. Some other faces seem familiar. Can you break them all down?

[@unstrung65]

@@mikesied Lee J Cobb - famous actor - in 'On The Waterfront' with Marlon Brando . Martin Balsam with a long movie and TV career - in ' All The Presidents Men ' . John Fiedler was in tons of TV shows , also was in the movie 'The Odd Couple' and the spin off TV series . E.G. Marshall had over 150 Film and TV appearances to his credit , also starred in Tora!Tora!Tora!. Jack Warden was in a ton of TV shows a also in 'All The Presidents Men' . Ed Begley - immediately recognizable in countless TV shows and movies - was in 'Sweet Bird of Youth' with Paul Newman . -- The rest of the actors were not as well known . But I saw the film when it came out and these 'character actors' I mentioned were immediately recognizable and all played their roles exceedingly well

[@GN-jn1ty]

GREAT supporting actors in this film - all of them guys who had made their bones in other great movies. Great writing + great talent = one great f'ng movie.

[@McPh1741]

Excellent choice. Hard to believe this movie failed at the box office when it came out. I first saw this movie when I was a young teen in the early 90s and have love it since. The whole movie takes place in one room with 12 actors. It’s a testament to what a good script, good acting and good directing can do.

[@KngOfTheBlind]

I believe this was originally a stage play which is why the screenplay works so well. I also believe this is the best screen version of it by far.

[@pete_lind]

This was originally a CBS TV movie from 1954 , Robert Cummings played the role that Henry Fonda has in the movie . Henry Fonda produced this movie for silver screen , there are lot of actors in this movie that were not good enough for big movie studios , when they were TV actors .

[@gregorywilson1960]

@@pete_lind I'm sorry you're mistaken it was a stage play for a number of years before it was on t.v. also more than 3/4 of the actors were big movie stars at the time.

[@pete_lind]

@@KngOfTheBlind written by Reginald Rose for CBS in 1954 , he and Henry Fonda produced it to silver screen movie , it came stage play after when , when it's perfect for a stage , it happens in one room .

[@pete_lind]

@@gregorywilson1960 Were is they key word , there is Lee J Cobb , who played cops in several movies , like in Exorcist , Henry Fonda , who has only few TV shows in his credits , E G Marshall who has 8 credits for 1957 , most TV , Robert Webber its his first movie and after this not much in his credits than TV series , Then you have the older men their movie careers were over at this point , who cared if they were big in 1930s and 1940s Ed Begley did movies from 1946 to 1952 , after that nothing much more that TV shows . Entertainment business is ruthless and Opera still consider you to be a has been , if you go and sing in Phantom of the Opera , when thats a musical , so clearly your ability to sing has gone .

[@charrid56maclean]

23:06 " yes, don't call us out" lmao❤

[@positivelynegative9149]

😄

[@ericgonzalez4416]

No CGI, no explosions, no car chases, no cursing. It's amazing when you realize that it's a masterfully presented dramatic story that takes place within a single room (basically) by some of the finest actors that ever lived. A true classic and, as always, a great video by you.

[@Blackadderthefourth]

@@rustincohle2135 or car chases or CGI but it is incrediable how engaging the film is being focused 95% in one room. A real display of characrer acting and writing.

[@vms77]

If you haven't seen it yet: "To kill a mockingbird" is, for me (and many others) one of the best trial/prosecution based movies...

[@seanmcmurphy4744]

Agree. Based on a Pulitzer prizewinning book, it’s one of the most beloved stories in America

[@davidholaday2817]

And after that you need to watch Just Mercy, directed by Michael B. Jordan.

[@clarkmiller3042]

I was about to comment much the same thing. Not only is it one of the best legal movies ever - “To Kill A Mockingbird” is my favorite movie of all time. A few other great “legal” movies, “Presumed Innocent”, “Witness For The Prosecution”, “My Cousin Vinnie”, and “The Rainmaker”.

[@MravacKid]

You gotta include "Anatomy of a murder" if you're listing the greatest legal movies. There's a few more recent movies that could fit the category, Philadelphia, A Few Good Men and Erin Brockovich are all fantastic.

[@MNay1]

@@MravacKid I’m glad I wasn’t the first to think of “ Anatomy of a Murder”. I need to watch it again.

[@windsaw151]

18:17 The juror that was second to last to flip was probably my favourite. He was no-nonsense about the affair and took it seriously. He acknowleged arguments from others even if he didn't think they were good enough to sway him. When the one point that in his mind was more important than all the others was credibly put into doubt he did not hesitate to reverse his position. It would be easy to to write a story with a sliding scale from innocent-nice guilty-jerk, and in many ways the movie did exactly that. I was happy that there was this one exception.

[@josephguillerey4391]

Plus his takedown of the racist after his rant immediatly made me respect him even more

[@thewiseoldherper7047]

The actors name is E.G. Marshall. He was big on TV in the 1960s and 70s. Interestingly he plays one of the grandparents in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

[@NemeanLion-]

@@thewiseoldherper7047 As a kid, I actually remember him most from Superman 2. He played the President.

[@thewiseoldherper7047]

@@NemeanLion- I was checking out his bio and he’s credited with 150 appearances on TV shows or in movies. Not surprising as he had real talent. He really nails it in this movie.

[@NemeanLion-]

@@thewiseoldherper7047 Great supporting actors have the best movie careers I think. They’re never burdened with the success or failure of a film, don’t usually get typecast and never have trouble finding work. This certainly was one of his best performances.

[@jcastromex]

"Anatomy of a Murder" is considered a great trial movie. I remember watching "12 Angry Men" back in grade school over 40 years ago and it still holds a place in my heart as a fantastic court drama. Looking forward to your next reaction. ⚖

[@jamesraykenney]

My Cousin Vinny(1992) seems to be a movie that is almost universally liked by lawyers. If you have not seen it, it is worth a reaction. Also, 12 Angry Men was remade, and while I will always prefer the original, the remake also contains some great performances.

[@nathanmead9585]

The fact that MCV is considered so highly by lawyers is fascinating to me. It's impressive that they could make hilarious movie that still took care with details that another film might've flubbed because "who would know?"

[@MravacKid]

Yeah, the remake is also very good, its only real problem is that it has to be compared to this masterpiece. :)

[@mnomadvfx]

@@MravacKid It depends which you see first. For example as with Miracle on 34th Street many think that the original is superior, but I grew up watching the 90s Richard Attenborough remake and simply find it better, even though I appreciate the nuance of the original.

[@RemixedVoice]

This film is easily in my top 10, it should be mandatory viewing before you're allowed to be on a jury in a trial lol. Not because it's super realistic, but to realize to know that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and to always question everything...

[@creaturecore13]

Instead of a film people should be taught in school how to actually analyze evidence and how eye witness testimony is the worst kind of evidence there is in science.

[@NoelleMar]

⁠@@creaturecore13 I mean, a lot of “scientific evidence” isn’t as hard and fast as people think, some of it terrible. Likewise, certain circumstantial evidence that genuinely removes any reasonable doubt is sometimes dismissed because it’s not CSI “facts,” which don’t often exist. Im not anti science at all btw lol. But “eyewitness” testimony is not necessarily the least reliable, because it depends. Like someone saying another person did something to them isn’t the least reliable form of testimony, by any scientific measure. Someone seeing a stranger for a split second from far away, sure.

[@NoelleMar]

But even “innocent until proven guilty” is something that has to be questioned based on one’s biases. Some juries will let off people who have committed the most heinous crimes and all the evidence is against them because they think there’s a tiny possibility the person is innocent - and it’s no coincidence those I’m thinking of never fit certain stereotypes of that kind of criminal, or the jury seems to have other prejudices they’re dealing with.

[@osullibr]

I am a Corrections Officer based in District/High courts where I live. I sit in trials and hear ALL the evidence, just like jurors. I've seen people go to jail that I totally believed innocent. It's fucking heartbreaking. Better 100 guilty men go free, than one innocent man goes to jail.

[@GarthKlein]

The amazing thing about the jury system is that 12 people with no legal training, with all their biases, prejudices, and emotional baggage can and do get it right most of the time. Certainly there are times when the innocent in convicted and the guilty set free but with all the re-examinations of disputed cases, remarkably few have been overturned. It is not even close to a perfect system but it is by far the best that has ever been devised.

[@claymccoy]

My Cousin Vinny is not only one of the more accurate lawyer/trail movies, it is also one of the funniest.

[@andrewgrossman4982]

Absolutely a classic. And the first film I thought of for any lawyer to react to. *A Few Good Men* would also be great.

[@vercoda9997]

I've seen other lawyers say that, too - that the workings of the case in the film, and Vinny's approach, are surprisingly accurate, behind all the laughs. Great film.

[@nathanmead9585]

@@vercoda9997 "I got no more use for this one." Somehow, still one of my favorite lines and delivery...

[@jonhenry8268]

My Cousin Vinny is very entertaining but not all that accurate. You actually can watch some attorneys reacting to the movie on other channels. A Few Good Men is also very good with a great cast but having served in the JAG Corps it is not very accurate at all.

[@dedcowbowee]

@@jonhenry8268 Well,no way his girlfriend is approved as an expert witness lol. So some people keep saying it's accurate just confuses me.

[@GermanDaniel]

Other courtroom drama recommendations: "A Few Good Men" "The Caine Mutiny" "Witness For The Prosecution" I love courtroom dramas too😊

[@dunringill1747]

I was going to suggest "A Few Good Men" & "The Caine Mutiny" myself. I've not seen "Witness For The Prosecution" but since you have included it, I'm adding it to my to watch list.

[@chetstevens4583]

And Justice For All, two Oscars nominations for Best Actor and screenplay.

[@MrDcwithrow]

Something along the same lines, although not set in a courtroom - "The Ox-Bow Incident". A western dealing with justice, trial by peers, prejudice, assumptions, morality of the death penalty, vigilantism and the difference between civilization and anarchy. Excellent film.

[@gawainethefirst]

Judgment at Nuremberg, another great courtroom drama.

[@saikoteeki]

I'm just happy you reacted to it, because it's an awesome movie. One doesn't have to be in law to appreciate just how simple, yet powerful the entire thing is. Also, glasses don't ruin a thing. You needn't worry.

[@thewiseoldherper7047]

It one of my favorite movies. Never a wasted moment, camera shot, or word of dialogue. It’s one of the greatest made so far. Love the glasses Mary.

[@robertjewell9727]

I'd really like to recommend 1982's THE VERDICT. It's topnotch with a fantastic performance by Paul Newman. He was nominated for an Oscar. I think je should have won.

[@RajkoK]

THE VERDICT is also directed by Sydney Lumet.

[@gregghelmberger]

The Verdict is one of Paul Newman's greatest performances, maybe his very greatest. If the movie had no other virtues (and it has many, many other virtues) it would still be worth watching just for Newman.

[@stevebeng2000]

The verdict is one of my favourite courtroom movies

[@jonhenry8268]

The Verdict is outstanding, Newman was robbed of an Oscar that year. I think the only comparable performance by him was Cool Hand Luke.

[@Hexon66]

And a return of Jack Warden.

[@DRC16690]

EXCELLENT reaction, Mary. You started with the best of the best. Kansas lawyer here with some suggestions: Anatomy of a Murder (1959, Jimmy Stewart), Inherit the Wind (1960, Gene Kelly & Spencer Tracy), To Kill a Mockingbird (1962, Gregory Peck), My Cousin Vinny (1992,Joe Pesci & Marisa Tomei), A Few Good Men (1993, Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, & Kevin Bacon), Philadelphia (1993, Denzel Washington & Tom Hanks).

[@Bdixon9158]

NY lawyer here to second all of these!

[@davidchalk8883]

What about "The Accused" Jodie Foster

[@Zarkarian64]

@@davidchalk8883 I honestly think they forgot! There are just so many! Another one ..."The Verdict" '82 🎭Paul Newman and the list goes on. Gotta give to🎭Jodie though, a kick ass, oscar winning performance.🤩🤗

[@CamoJan]

Another "lawyerly" type movie is "The Firm" with Tom Cruise

[@Majoofi]

Other court room movies: Judgement at Nuremberg, Anatomy of A Murder, Witness for The Prosecution, La Passion de Jean d'Arc, Paths of Glory, Inherit The Wind, Billy Budd, The Crucible.

[@Sennesation]

One of the greatest films ever made. My recommendation for another 'courtroom film' is Murder in the First.

[@davidbeach4682]

Anatomy of a Murder would be another good one.

[@jdreyn02]

The best moment in this film to me is the ending, when Henry Fonda's character helps Lee. J Cobb's character put on his coat as an olive branch. Now that's classy and how gentlemen should behave, even though we argued, disagreed, exchanged angry words I still respect you. He said all that just by helping the guy put his coat on. You just don't see that in films now, you know its to be expected though "kids these days" lol.

[@andrewgrossman4982]

*My Cousin Vinny* should be on your short list. It is my favorite courtroom movie. It is a sweet and funny movie and every lawyer I know absolutely loves it. Another classic is *A Few Good Men*. Which is excellent. It is a military trial. There are some great older classics, too. But the two I listed are the two I find the most enjoyable to watch, and think you would, too. Both are about 30 years old and considered classics at this point, as well.

[@johnrust592]

One of your best reactions, and it was to one of the best movies I've ever seen. So long as you have a great story, you don't need CGI out the wazoo and a $200 million budget. One room, 12 good actors, and a good script, and you have a classic. Henry Fonda -- the first juror who voted not guilty -- was outstanding in this movie. If you want another movie with him from this era, I highly recommend "Fail Safe." Very tense Cold War thriller that puts the world on the brink of nuclear war. Fonda plays the President in that one.

[@Daremo6969]

This always makes me think of the saying 'Fools are full of confidence and geniuses are full of doubt.' I think we call it "Dunning Kruger" nowadays.

[@noneprovided689]

Lee J Cobb’s turn as Juror 3 is my favorite portrayal of any role, by any actor, ever. I first saw this when I was 14, and I remember thinking that I finally understood what people meant by saying that a supporting actor "stole the show".

[@seanmcmurphy4744]

Yeah, he really knocked it out of the park. Although I don’t know their names, most of the cast are well known character actors I recognize from other movies of that time

[@noneprovided689]

@@seanmcmurphy4744 What’s remarkable to me is that he did so as a normal, believable character. Christoph Waltz stole the show as Hans Landa. Alan Rickman stole the show as the Sheriff of Nottingham. However, both of them were playing over-the-top villains with varying degrees of caricature as part of their respective roles. Cobb, however, plays Juror 3 as a relatable (mostly), ordinary, and ultimately even sympathetic character. Being so understated yet impactful at the same time is a remarkable feat.

[@billrab1890]

I agree, Lee J Cobb's performance in '12 Angry Men' is outstanding and probably his best ever. Although his performance as Johnny Friendly in 'On The Waterfront' has to be a close second and the cast of 'On The Waterfront' had to be every bit as good as the cast in this movie.

[@SinuousStudios]

Please do “inherit the wind” 1960 version! No else does it and it’s an amazing court room film!

[@FonMeller]

Gene Kelly and SPENCER TRACY!

[@noirgatherer]

I thought so to until I learned about the massive fictional changes in inherit the wind from the real situation (the film had a prejudiced hate-filed side) Judgment at Nuremberg was a better more powerful film.

[@FonMeller]

@@noirgatherer Didn't know that, Judgment at Nuremberg is a great movie too, Spancer Tracy, Judy Garland.... Great movie

[@StonefieldJim4]

Brilliant recommendation!

[@comis03]

"A time to kill" is a great court movie.... also "the rainmaker" both amazing 👏

[@blueroninstudios]

"A Few Good Men", "To Kill a Mockingbird," and this movie are three of my favorite courtroom dramas.

[@geraldmcboingboing7401]

That's another great reaction, Mary!! This is one of my favorite films. Some other really good legal/courtroom dramas are: Witness for the Prosecution (1957), To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), A Man for All Seasons (1966), Anatomy of a Murder (1959), Inherit the Wind (1960), Judgement at Nuremberg (1961), and Paths of Glory (1957).

[@jnagarya519]

That's MY list! -- but I'll add "The Verdict".

[@steveallen8987]

My favourite is MY COUSIN VINNY. Excellent Oscar winning comedy. Steve

[@donotevenbegintocare]

2:28 Yes! This is the New York County Courthouse!

[@super6081]

I second that 'My Cousin Vinny' movie. Not only will Mary like the courtroom we will get to hear her laugh as there are many, many funny parts.

[@hadrenspicer9035]

All of these men have had distinguished acting careers.I've seen them in hundreds of movies.

[@davidfrehler1299]

I have loved this film from the first time I saw it (about 1968), but was surprised by the insights you offered. Great job! You might want to consider Inherit The Wind (1960) based on a stage play of the same name about the Scopes Trial. Inherit The Wind has been produced as a film four times (1960, 1965, 1988,1999) all are wonderful productions with stunning performances, though my preference is 1960 due to Spencer Tracy's performance as Clarence Darrow. The other three versions were made for TV and lack the budget of the 1960 film, and it is difficult to match Stanley Kramer's directorial vision.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

Don't forget: one reason they're "angry" is because it's an incredibly hot day and there's no air conditioning.

[@Andy_U]

Hiya. I agree with several others - 'Inherit The Wind' and 'To Kill A Mockingbird'. Stay safe. All the best to you.

[@jamesscanlan6240]

I think him saying "he was an old man, how can he be sure about anything" is my favorite moment in the movie. Also, juror number nine sweating after being interrogated, after earlier saying he never sweats. Brilliant writing.

[@jnagarya519]

Yeah -- what does an elderly man know about being elderly?

[@GrouchyMarx]

Hey Mary, for other court movies do "The Verdict" (1982) one of Paul Newman's finest, Rob Reiner's "A Few Good Men" (1992) a good look at the military court, "Anatomy of a Murder" (1959), "Inherit the Wind" (1960), "Judgement At Nuremberg" (1961) and "Witness for the Prosecution" (1957). I'm sure you'll like these.

[@melenatorr]

There are some very, very good trial/court-based movies. Off the top of my head, I recommend to you "Witness for the Prosecution", which is a 1957 movie taking place in England, and based on a novel by Agatha Christie; and "My Cousin Vinny", a comedy which has been called a nicely accurate depiction of courtroom procedure.

[@protonneutron9046]

I will tell you a true story about "eyewitnesses". One day in college while in an Administration of Justice class, about half way through the class the professor stopped lecturing us. He said it was time for a test. The question was, "Describe the person that walked across the front of the classroom between myself and you students 5 minutes ago." Not a SINGLE person could describe anything about the person. I barely remember another person moving at the front of the class much less walking in front of the professor while he lectured. So, 60 out of 60 eyewitnesses who were LOOKING at the person as he/she walked in front of them, the ONLY person who walked in front of them for an hour, couldn't describe them 5 minutes later.

[@geraldtodd6633]

Outstanding reactions, comments, and observations, Mary. I saw this movie when it came out and as a 13 year old I loved it. I have since seen it about 4-5 times and even though I know how it goes and ends up, I still love it. I really felt good when you said it was probably the best movie you have seen and that's probably because you were so affected by it as you watched it. Enjoying this movie again while joining you in your reactions reminds me once again of how wonderful it is to see your reactions.

[@marine6680]

My Cousin Vinnie is well liked by lawyers for being pretty accurate to how court proceedings work and good use of arguments by the lawyers. A Few Good Men is about military law, similar but also very different from normal court proceedings. This movie is an outstanding piece of cinema, almost the entire film takes place in a single room, but it is still one of the most engrossing films of all time.

[@blechtic]

I can see how MCV would be their favourite. It has great performances, it's funny, it's memorable. More importantly, it also shows what not to do (though Vinny gets away with lot, I think), how an open-and-shut case can be anything but, how witnesses can be unreliable in multitude of ways, how knowing procedure and your (and your clients') rights is paramount, how expert witnesses work, how unrelated things can screw you in the court, how important it is to be prepared and to know the case and to gather your own evidence, how having a good rapport with the judge and the jury is important, how working with the police is important, how a judge can rule against you even if you are making a good argument, and so on. When you start thinking about it, there's a lot to unpack in that movie. AFGM is about drama. I don't know if it is accurate or not, but there doesn't seem to be much to learn there. Instead, it could make impressionable lawyers incriminate themselves by try to bluff high-ranking officers into confessing in court without any evidence to back you up. Trying to play a witness by bluffing them in court sounds like a bad idea generally, even if the judge doesn't step in to stop you. If they sidestep the attempt, what then? Are you going to try again?

[@marine6680]

@@blechtic Yeah, AFGM isn’t really accurate with the court procedure. It is very much about the drama… But man it’s good drama. A court martial can also vary in how it is conducted based on the offense. It is similar but has distinct differences from civilian courts. I am not an expert in such matters though, I only have the sparse info gleaned from being in the service and being aware of people who have had to go through them.

[@garyhaberbush207]

Mary says "emotional stress" twice and cat to the rescue.

[@daveterret3958]

That's one of my favorite movies. Also, "Amistad" is about slavery, but mostly set in courtrooms. I also liked "The Caine Mutiny" and "Inherit the Wind".

[@Rafa-pr5fe]

I recommend you to watch "Anatomy of a Murder" from 1959 with James Stewart, Ben Gazzara and George C. Scott directed by Otto Preminger. Similar in atmosphere, but with a much more perverse ending. These were the times when Hollywood knew how to write good scripts, and not just have a high budget. Well, of course, a movie classic about the film industry. "Sunset Boulevard" directed by Billy Wilder with William Holden and Gloria Swanson, and Eric Stroheim.

[@lethaldose2000]

Marij, the look on your face when the jury argued that some people don't wear glasses to improve their looks was like a punch top the gut. They stopped you in your tracks with this one. Damn such a great movie. Such amazing dialogue. They basically shot the movie in two rooms, with the outside window acting as another set. I hope you get around to watching a "A Few Good Men" and "Pelican Brief". Oh plus, "Erin Brockovich", "Flash of Genius", and "Three Billboards" All amazing legal movies.

[@73jefft]

On the off chance you haven't seen A Few Good Men, that's an excellent courtroom drama - Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, Demi Moore and tons of other big names

[@bottlecaps2741]

"A few good men" would be a good one to react to. Its about military law but still damn good performances. "Rules of engagement" is another good military law film. My biggest recommendation though would be for "Erin Brockovich"

[@ButOneThingIsNeedful]

I feel sorry for anyone who would not give this movie a chance just because it is old and in black & white. It is a timeless masterpiece in every respect -- material, acting, directing. Thank you for featuring it on your channel, Mary.

[@bryansmith1691]

Excellent movie. Be interesting to see your reaction to Mr Smith goes to Washington It's a jimmy stewart movie, where a regular joe gets elected to Congress and despite being made 50+ years ago it's remarkable how true it speaks to corporate corruption within the US government. Would love to see a Belgian's opinion on the flick and it's relevant themes to today.

[@billshine401]

I can remember this movie being used as a teaching model decades ago. Great review as always.

[@jeffsetter213]

'A Few Good Men' - Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Kevin Pollack, Kiefer Sutherland etc. 'Primal Fear' - Edward Norton, Richard Gere, Laura Linney, etc. 'My Cousin Vinny' - Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, Ralph Macchio

[@cliffordwaterton3543]

i'm so glad you enjoyed this movie - it's one of my favourites. you are absolutely right about the dialogue - i know i'm biased (I'm 61) but i think good dialogue is hard to come by nowadays. there is a Hitchcock movie - witness for the prosecution - which is an excellent court room drama - you might also enjoy -the verdict and jagged edge.

[@BobMartinsback]

Great film, one of my favourites. The black and white somehow accentuates the atmosphere in the room.

[@terryv2006]

I have to make my biggest recommendation for My Cousin Vinny. It’s acclaimed as a court room movie and it’s absolutely hilarious.

[@maximillianosaben]

This is what we like to call an oldie but a goodie. And boy howdy is this a good one. Still utterly engrossing to this day.

[@janoslehr1256]

"It is better that ten guilty persons escape, than that one innocent suffer." William Blackstone: Commentaries on the Laws of England, Book 4, Chapter 27 (1769).

[@RobFMDetroit]

If you haven't already done/seen it, you have to "My Cousin Vinny". It's actually regarded as one of the most accurate portrayals of how court proceedings are supposed to happen. And it's a comedy.

[@chetstevens4583]

This is the anti MCU movie. One set, twelve men just talking. Fascinating what the written word can do when properly crafted into a story. Would love to see you react to some Hitchcock movies. Read Window is a similar one room type movie. North by Northwest and Vertigo are classics and we all enjoyed your Psycho reaction.

[@tarmaque]

Yeah, it was made on a budget of $337,000 and shot almost entirely in one room. I would suggest that the majority of the budget went to the payroll of the excellent cast and the rest of the crew. It was based on a television drama from an age when television was particularly constrained for space and time, and was also reworked as a stage play. You can see the play being performed today frequently by high school drama programs because it's fairly simple to produce. Usually today it's renamed _Twelve Angry Jurors,_ and has a more gender diverse cast.

[@trada3480]

You should watch To kill a mocking bird and inherit the Wind two top class courtroom dramas. Both classic films

[@michaelash8552]

Other good legal movies, some of which have already been mentioned. My Cousin Vinny (Legal comedy) Legally Blonde (Very silly Legal comedy) A Few Good Men (drama) The Rainmaker (drama) Others that don't take place in court but involve lawyers or legal battles. The Pelican Brief (Thriller) The Firm (Thriller) Erin Brochavich (drama base on a true story)

[@marieclaudeb.2366]

Watching this was part of a psychology class I took when I was in college some decades ago :) group dynamics, influence, persuasion.. great choice

[@rayvanhorn1534]

So glad you reviewed this movie Mary, this is a rare gem from movie studios. I believe it should be a standard for high school students, both from a civic responsibility standpoint & an interpersonal communications learning tool. Great cast, great script & great film.

[@pkunberger9287]

“The Verdict” @1980 and “Body Heat” (Nuevo film noir) are also great. The judge quoted a scene from Body Heat during my swearing in ceremony for the D.C. Bar.

[@sirjohnmara]

My cousin Vinny! Also The Firm. This is a great movie! One of Nolans favourites I've heard. Mary, not in "just" in jail, death penalty was on the line here... Oh later, I saw that you knew that.... I'm writing during your reaction... Brilliant reaction as always! Thanks! I like "Damn this movie is so good, I forgot that it was a movie!" That's a true!

[@matthewmckibben]

Great freaking movie (and play!). One of the things I've always really enjoyed about this is that for the first quarter of the movie or so, they both bring up good points to the guilt/innocence. How they go back and forth is just masterful writing. And then I love how it ends... citizens walking back out as citizens. 12 strangers come together to see the merits of the case, then go back to being just every day people. Beautiful stuff.

[@davidchalk8883]

The beauty of a court room drama is that it can cover so many issues, Divorce (Kramer v Kramer), Pollution (Erin Brockavitch, A Civil Case), incitement (The Accused), Theft (Carrington VC), Racism (To Kill A Mockingbird), Defective Products (Class Action),

[@williamphelps3915]

I echo the call for "To Kill a Mokingbird" if you haven't seen it. I would add "Inherit the Wind"..

[@ChicagoDB]

“Too Kill A Mockingbird” my own personal favorite and definitely one of the greatest movies ever made. Seriously…give it a watch!

[@maikenelissen3767]

We read this in class together (as in, the roles were distributed amongst us). I got Juror 2, and to be honest, he fit me perfectly 😂

[@sjd5750]

These all were seasoned actors..Some trivial facts: John Fiedler (the little guy in glasses) was the original voice of Piglet of Winnie the Pooh...Lee J. Cobb (The last guy convinced) was the Lt. Cop in The Exorcist...Legal Movies: "Philadelphia".."Primal fear".."Fracture".."To Kill A Mockingbird".."Rainmaker".."The Judge"..Absense Of Malice".."Inherit the Wind."..To name a few.

[@DannyMitzel]

I agree with other's recommendation of "Witness for the Prosecution". Its been many years since I've seen it but I remember also enjoying "Judgment at Nuremberg". Just remembered Kubrick's "Paths of Glory" has great courtroom drama too.

[@maddwitch]

This movie is one of my all time favorite movies. There is a Russian adaptation from 2007, titled 12, that is really good as well.

[@paulwheelan1106]

So glad you really appreciated this movie. It is listed as one of the greatest movies of all time. My father born in the 30's introduced me, born in the '70's to this when I was 12. I watch this film once a year and love it every time. Your reaction was brilliant x

[@drchaos2000]

the gesture where he helps the other guy in his jacket in the end is something you dont find a lot anymore. honoring your opponent. a person can be very wrong about something... but that doesnt make them a bad human.

[@JedHead77]

I first watched this for a high school class, and I still love it and recommend it!

[@NoOne-so7jt]

I highly recommend these legal movies: A Few Good Men, A Civil Action, The Rainmaker, The Verdict, Erin Brockovich, And Justice for All.

[@CaesiusX]

As a classic film fan, I am absolutely _thrilled_ that so many are reacting to this film! Exposing so many others to it. The first few films that popped into my head are _To Kill a Mockingbird, A Time to Kill,_ and _A Few Good Men._ Love the reaction!!

[@willmendoza8498]

Amazing what you can do with solid writing and performances. It’s literally just a long conversation, but it’s gripping

[@Kamackazi]

Anatomy of a Murder , an Otto Preminger directed gem with Jimmy Stewart as a small town lawyer defending an accused killer.Great film from the 50's.

[@3DJapan]

A number of really good actors in this who have been in a lot of other movies and shows.

[@MainFrameGamerz]

One of my all time favorites. All star cast at their best....

[@mccpcorn2000]

This is in my top five all time favourite movies. A stunning drama.

[@MrFarnanonical]

There is a film you might be interested in. It's an HBO original movie from around 2001, it's called "Conspiracy". It's based on a true story and it's about a secret meeting to discuss "The Jewish question" and "The final solution". The reason why I bring this up is because it's the same format as this film. It's about 12 or so guys (quiet a few lawyers) sitting around a table arguing.

[@stevestewart9941]

One ofnnthe very best courtroom drama ever. Only 12 actors in one room, and each a genius. Other great courtroom dramas that come highly recommended: Anatomy of a Murder; Witness For The Prosecution; To Kill A Mockingbird; Judgment At Nuremberg; Inherit The Wind; The Caine Mutiny. Many others but these are superb dramas before and after the courtroom.

[@jpkc86]

It's one of the best movies of all time. The long (nearly 5 min) one shot open in the Jury room before they finally break for the juror at the window, just brilliant. Dialogue amazing. A whole movie shot in this simple 2 set room and amazing camera work, brilliant movie! Social commentary pretty fitting although I wish the world could disagree like these very varied men did without viewing the other as pure evil as the only explanation. I'm 48 so i wonder if others may have mentioned but I was shown this in school. around 7th grade or so. Super impactful movie for me. I love it.

[@downrightsuperb5690]

One of my favorite movies. Such a tight and blunt script. Great commentary on the human condition.

[@bigbow62]

My Cousin Vinny (1992) You will love this one Mary, a great courtroom comedy 😎 You really should do more old Hollywood Classics... The star in this movie Henry Fonda has dozens of films, two of my favorites are... The Grapes of Wrath (1940) The Ox-Bow Incident (1942) Yes.... give the 1940-1970 films a chance, so many amazing actors & stories ! Maybe you could do one a month ✌😎

[@benmayer5932]

Two or three of the actors went on to be true greats in acting. Jack Klugman for example, is one of my personal favorites.

[@stevesilsby5288]

We were assigned to read the play in school around 1970. I really liked it. I first saw the movie about ten years later. This is one example of a movie that is better than the literature. As you said the actors were so perfect at bringing life to the characters. Well written and well performed, this really opened my mind to the ideals behind out jury system. I have twice served on juries and took the service very seriously.

[@Cau_No]

I think the play was published after the movie. It just fits perfectly on a stage with its one-location setting.

[@archersterling8707]

I love this movie for two main reasons. It shows us how a picture can be so clear, but once you start questioning bits and pieces it can get blurry real fast. The other part I love is actually the power of suggestion. When the old man is talking about the woman and the marks on her nose. He mentions it then another and another are like oh yeah she did have them. And I have had some work with robberies and it is why if a robbery occurs you are never to discuss it with other witnesses cause the power of suggestion can change what you think you saw. Like oh yeah the robber had glasses remember? and robber never had glasses, but after one suggestion everyone said he did.

[@redoctober6521]

Don’t forget to watch the sequel: 12 Angry Men and a Baby

[@vincentsaia6545]

On of my favorite movies. Some judges actually show this movie to jurors before they deliberate. Another legal movie you might want to check out is THE VERDICT (1981), also directed by Sidney Lumet

[@0lyge0]

I don't know if you see the comments on older uploads but I'd like to recommend "...And Justice for All" starring Al Pacino. It's a legal drama and a very good film. It has a very famous courtroom scene that you may have heard referenced. I think you'd enjoy it.

[@davidpost428]

Terrific writing and camerawork and lighting and direction and these were some of the best actors of their day. Superb human drama. You got pulled right into the room with them.

[@scapevelocity]

It may not be obvious so many years later and with movie styles having changed so much, but this is an amazing example of a kind of "less is more" filmmaking. The cast is first rate, just about every one a great film or TV star or major character after for decades to come. And the direction is much more sophisticated than merely a filmed stage play. The camera's perspective changes from looking down on the characters from a distance to looking up at them as the tension increases. And I believe the set was designed so the walls could be moved closer in as things progress, to create even more claustrophobia as things heat up. I saw a staged version of 12 Angry Men in London, and as good as that was, Sidney Lumet's direction made a huge contribution to the emotional resonance of the story.

[@lito6062]

I love Mary's reaction at 13:30 she's about to say something and got caught by the guy correcting the other guy's english

[@matthewalexander2558]

Mary, I would recommend To Kill a Mockingbird and also On the Waterfront.