This might be our new favorite film ever: 12 Angry Men | First Time Watching | Reaction | Commentary

[@PalmDesertRock]

This film is closing in on 70 years old, and yet it proves that you only need a great script, great actors and trust in both to make a truly timeless film.

[@francoisevassy6614]

So true !

[@kjmorley]

And only a few decades from the advent of sound in cinema. Seems so strange now.

[@cassu6]

Definitely, how come hollywood isn't capable of writing such awesome scripts is beyond me though? Would only make sense that it would be the other way around. I have no idea how to write a script, but honestly watching films like this makes me really want to try it

[@michaelhoward142]

@@cassu6 I think part of the reason is that audiences generally don't have the attention span to actually listen to dialog anymore. Now they prefer action, flashy effects and catchy one-liners. ☹

[@zepptar]

Don’t forget Sydney Lumet. He directed some of my other favorites “Dog day afternoon” and “The Pawnbroker”

[@majuli8420]

For me, the scene that gets me emotionally is when Henry Fonda's character helps the broken father into his suit jacket at the end. It's such a powerful gesture of decency and humanity. There's no gloating, no rubbing it in, just two people disagreeing with each other. Magnificent movie!

[@jeffperdue2804]

Yes that is such a poignant moment, and then it's followed up by the jurors walking outside and you find out these men didn't even know each others names

[@brennanfee7458]

Simone, yes, the shorter man with glasses (John Fiedler) is the voice of Piglet.

[@danfocke]

He was also in the WW2 movie A Walk in the Sun. It was very jarring the first time I watched it and heard Piglet's voice coming out of a soldier.

[@EvHervey]

Simone... That is IMPRESSIVE...

[@マイク-q2m]

He was also Jack the Ripper in Star Trek TOS

[@sydhamelin1265]

And The Odd Couple, always reminding everyone of the time, and going to Florida 'off-season'.

[@jonm6891]

Good catch Simone. Damn.

[@gregghelmberger]

To this day, this stands as one of the greatest casts in film history. There isn't a single bad performance in this whole movie. This gets performed a lot at lower levels of theater, and with lesser actors it can come across as forced and shrill. This cast absolutely nailed it.

[@flibber123]

The cast is great. Not just Fonda, but all of them. EG Marshall was in Creepshow. Jack Klugman did the Twilight Zone among other things. If you watch movies or tv shows from this time period up to the '80s, you'll see a lot of these guys popping up in everything.

[@emwa3600]

Every cast member could claim this was their best performance, and any level of pride would be completely justified.

[@moviescatsmargs]

The more times I've watched it, I've become more astounded by Lee J Cobb's performance. Fonda is excellent but Cobb's final outburst followed by him collapsing and sobbing is still my favorite scene of this masterpiece.

[@AI_Image_Master]

@@flibber123 I'm pretty sure that several of them appeared on The Twilight zone. Jack Warden and Martin Balsam and John Fiedler. . Of course they all appeared alot on TV in the 60's and 70's and 80's.

[@A23457]

I love how they all just go back to their lives at the end. Such an interesting thing to think about. Strangers come together, decide someone’s fate, and disperse, never to meet again. Simultaneously beautiful and odd.

[@goldenager59]

I've never made a habit of studying the history of jurisprudence throughout the world, but I've no doubt it is indeed a curious concept. 🤔 😐

[@markharris1125]

I did jury service - oh, 23 years ago now. It wasn't as dramatic as this but it was a serious case that involved conspiracy, death and serious injury, and we spent four and a half weeks altogether. As this was in the UK I'm not allowed to talk about what went on in the jury room but suffice it to say, everyone took their roles really seriously, even those who'd tried to get out of serving or got bored occasionally. And then, as you say, we all said goodbye and walked off. It remains a very special - and yes, odd - time of my life. I still see one of the other jurors walking round town occasionally and I wonder if he feels the same. The judge took us off the jury rota for 10 years, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

[@localroger]

I was a juror about 2 years ago. It was the other way around -- after the winnowing, I was the one holdout not convinced that there was enough evidence to positively send a guy off for a long jail sentence. Two of the other jurors suggested we review the evidence, and in one of the photographs one of them pointed out an oddity on the door handle of the alleged perp's car, which matched the car found in the perp's driveway. (There was no photo of the license plate, and it was a more common model than a couple of the other jurors wanted to admit.) In the end I said "I think you flipped me," to which the jury forewoman said "You've got to be kidding me." No, I just wanted to be sure. In the end it turned out that he had knocked over two other convenience stores that night but they couldn't bring that into evidence at trial. I was just making sure we did our jobs right, and we got the right result.

[@phillipdycaico5949]

@@markharris1125I also did jury duty on 6 criminal cases. Not as dramatic but being part of a group that holds someone’s fate is humbling and a little scary. I did think we delivered a just verdict.

[@xgalarion8659]

This movie shows that the hardest person to 'turn' is the person with deeply personal attachment to his argument. Because its about something else for them.

[@EnigmaticPenguin]

I always loved that we never really find out if the kid did it or not. It’s a court drama where the crime is totally immaterial and simultaneously the centre of the plot.

[@ralphstrickland7110]

Yes. For all we know the kid was guilty. All the jurors did was decide that the state didn’t make the necessary case. I like that aspect as well.

[@TedLittle-yp7uj]

The movie, it seems to me, is not about the trial at all but rather about the jurors and the decision making process. Each juror has strengths and weaknesses, beliefs and prejudices, and they have to fight it out to get to the truth. When all is said and done, the movie is about each one of us. I'd like to be Henry Fonda in this movie but I confess, to my shame, that I, more often than I would like, all the other jurors at different times.

[@ericy4522]

Jurors never really know for sure what happened, as they weren’t there. So they’ll always be reliant on evidence & how well it’s presented. Ideally, every case would be decided on only the evidence and not how good the lawyers/cops/forensics/judges are at their jobs, or jurors’ preconceptions & prejudices. In reality, as this story highlights, it’s just lots of imperfect people that hopefully come to the correct conclusion.

[@mrtveye6682]

@@TedLittle-yp7uj Well said.

[@vytallicaq.6881]

I love how it so perfectly illustrates why we should always be vigilant about not letting the fallacied thinking of others, influence our own thinking. So many people are susceptible to groupthink, and they aren't even aware of it. Social conditioning is a powerful force that operates on a sub-conscious level in our minds. We need to get in the habit of constantly reviewing our beliefs. Analyzing them with a healthy dose of skepticism, so we can weed out any fallacied ideas that may have infiltrated our minds.

[@galandirofrivendell4740]

Part of what makes this movie so successful is that we are never sure if the boy was truly innocent or guilty, and it is even acknowledged in the script that they might possibly be letting a guilty person go free. A powerful movie that today's screenwriters can learn from. Glad you both enjoyed this classic drama.

[@pillmuncher67]

But there were no explosions! Isn't that what makes a movie great nowadays?

[@Lord_of_Bones]

Yea, and in real life that's how it's supposed to be. There are many factors to consider in the idea of finding someone "not guilty". Even though it sounds like a positive assertion that the person did not commit the crime, it isn't. It's the simple idea that we can't be sure they are guilty so we can't convict them. There is a subtle but important difference in saying "I do not believe he is guilty" and "I believe he is innocent."

[@kuhpunkt]

Watch "Anatomy of a Fall"

[@moeball740]

​@@Lord_of_BonesConservative activist Thomas Sowell has done videos and commentary on this film that addresses the possibility that the jury just acquitted a guilty man. He tries to make a case of things that the jury got wrong and how the kid was actually guilty. I'm not convinced.

[@Lord_of_Bones]

@@moeball740 It doesn't really matter if he's guilty or not. The characters in the film could not, in good conscience, find him guilty. Neither the prosecution nor the defense did their job. That isn't the fault of the jurors. They have to go on the (lack) of information they were given.

[@marleybob3157]

Lee J. Cobb's (Juror #3) final argument is some of the best acting I've seen. The thing most people miss is when the jurors exit the building at the end of the movie. You see them walking down the courthouse steps and can see how their experience changed them. The last one down is Juror #3 who walks by himself slowly and it is clear by his walk down the stairs that his life has been forever altered. Brilliant.

[@Argumemnon]

I want to see a sequel where he reconnects with his kid. :(

[@carlosurdaneta4361]

@@Argumemnon What would you call it? "One happy man"??😜😂🤣😄

[@TheFalconerNZ]

As I commented a very well written script that is equally well directed & performed. It is truly a shame that the art of making great movies (& music) has died in favour of making a fast buck, I feel sad that we unlikely see many great movies like this in the near future as 'The Hook' (like the big effects) today is more important that the story itself with as George mentioned is often broken (not consistent) just to get 'The Hook'.

[@Mr.Goodkat]

@@TheFalconerNZ The "hook" today isn't special effects, it kind of never has been, I don't know anyone who goes to see a movie just for effects, the "hook" today is the "IP", a pre-established franchise which means something to people already usually because they did tell a great story decades ago and it's the memory of that which "hooks" people into seeing the new entries not visual effects, nobody gives a rats ass about those.

[@garufia]

Agreed Lee J Cobb, very powerful.

[@verlitka]

Jiří Voskovec (the foreigner) was a well-established Czech actor, who emigrated to the West when communists took over our country in 1948. He was a part of the comedic duo with his best friend Jan Werich, who stayed behind. They exchanged thousands of letters, an interesting insight into the lives that suddenly became forcefully separated. Voskovec knew the value of freedom and democracy from first-hand experience.

[@Thalassicus01]

That's such a cool detail! My mom's side of the family had similar experiences fleeing Bavaria to Texas during the Prussian wars of the 1800s.

[@brennanfee7458]

You can probably recognize that this was originally a stage play. The author, Reginald Rose, wrote two separate scripts. 12 Angry Men and 12 Angry Women. Each script could be cast with just a single gender group (as in this film). It is the exact same story and characters in both scripts, but with any necessary incidentals changed to account for the gender differences. However, his intent was that you could cast each role with whichever gender and each actor/actress would read their part from the gender-specific script, and it would all simply "work" together. With a mixed cast, the title would be "12 Angry Jurors".

[@markkondilis9237]

I was in an amateur theater group for a couple of years. Pretty good director. Anyways, I learned that they did mount a production of 12 Angry Jurors at some point, and this being one of my favorite films, I was pretty disappointed I missed the opportunity. But we did The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) so I got that going for me :P

[@tinatidmore3809]

At this time, in New York, women could sit on juries, but it was rare. And remember that the personal experience that inspired the play and then the movie happened years earlier. Note that most women cared for the children while husband's work. Day care was not really a thing and we were still in the baby boom.

[@pete_lind]

Originally a CBS TV movie 1954 , it was adapted to stage in 1955 and then this movie 1957. Then Sergio Leone got a great idea, 1968 he put Henry Fonda in a movie as bad guy , Once Upon a Time in the West

[@Edninety]

@@markkondilis9237 Man I hear you, we did it aswell, called it guilty/not guilty because of copyright stuff and it was a bit abridged. I was 8 and actually astonished how much text one can memorize when you're comitting to it (it was just a last-year-of-school optional subject, so nothing to brag about but it was dope to experience theater like that for a year). Such a great and important piece of culture that'll probably always have relevancy

[@garycrow1943]

I wasn't aware of this. I guess old dogs can learn new tricks. Thanks for the Info.

[@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".

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

Have u seen coogans bluff with Lee j cobb clint Eastwood? One of the only few men to put clint in his place!

[@garufia]

Lee J Cobb, yup...very powerful actor. He had the best performance in this one, maybe not by a lot but I think the best.

[@standasebek5033]

There's a famous experiment called The Invisible Gorilla. Viewers were shown a video of a six people in a hallway passing basketballs around. While they watched, they were told to count the number of passes made by the three people in white shirts. At some point, a man in gorilla costume strolls into the middle of the action, faces the camera and thumps its chest, and then leaves, spending nine seconds on screen. The result - half of the people who watched the video and counted the passes missed the gorilla. They said they did not see any gorilla in the clip. Eyewitnessing is one of the weakest evidence, yet we still treat it as one of the strongest. ...Also, yeah, this movie is flawless.

[@Serai3]

Would you really prefer that all cases were decided by a computer?

[@jasonseipler2665]

Yeah, but half the people saw the gorilla. Eyewitnesses can be accurate.

[@muddeer5383]

Eyewitnesses are considered one of the least reliable forms evidence in criminology for a reason.@@jasonseipler2665

[@TheAtkey]

I don't know if that's an accurate test they were told to focus on one thing. As far as eyewitnesses it depends, if for example if I'm in the yard and look over and see my next-door neighbors who I've known for years aurguring and one pulls out a gun and shoot the other I would say that I could reliably identify that it was my neighbor. Now if it's someone I don't know or never saw before and I'm asked to pull someone out of a lineup or identify by mugshots that that's different.

[@mrtveye6682]

@@jasonseipler2665 He didn't said they are never accurate. Just that it's not nearly as reliable as one may think.

[@stephenriggs8177]

The man you said was "eager to please" was John Fiedler. He was all over TV and film, in the '50s and '60s. He appeared in one of my favorite Star Trek episodes, "Wolf in the Fold." He also played Mr. Peterson, a recurring psychiatric client on The Bob Newhart Show. And, you're right Simone. He also voiced Piglet.

[@thegrimreaper990]

I always adore and aim to be like juror number 4. He was voting guilty not because of his personal bias but because he analized the evidence carefuly and made his judgement based on evidence, when the key evidence was challenged he accepted that there is room for reasonable doubt and that's when he voted not guilty.

[@Argumemnon]

Not a second earlier and not a second later, in fact. EG Marshall's the actor here. Very good actor.

[@windsaw151]

I especially liked that he never dismissed or ridiculed arguments when they were brought up. He acknowledged them, he just didn't think they were enough to override the testimony of the woman.

[@seraphinaaizen6278]

Juror number 4 is my favourite character for that very reason. He isn't biased, and he has no personal investment that colours his judgement. He is interested in the facts and the arguments, and he's willing to both listen to other people's arguments and intelligently makes his own.

[@mrtveye6682]

True, #4 don't get enough praise in general. He's fair and objective, sticks to the facts without following a personal agenda. And there is an overwhelming amount of evidence that speaks against the boy (after all, the boy could very well still be guilty, we'll never know). To not just dismiss all of that right away is totally correct. But after all of the evidence turned out to be at least not as "safe" as it appears first, he admitted that there is reasonable doubt. And the important point is "reasonable", because you could ofc doubt and question absolutely anything.

[@migmit]

Yes! I liked him the most. He says he is a broker; I call him The Mathematician. He is 100% impartial; he doesn't allow emotions to affect his judgement; he admits being wrong without shame or even hesitation. Brilliant. BTW, my nicknames for the jurors: 1) The Foreman, 2) The Piglet, 3) The Father, 4) The Mathematician, 5) The Slums guy, 6) The Blue Collar, 7) The Fan, 8) The Fonda, 9) The Elder, 10) The Bigot, 11) The Immigrant, and 12) The Advertiser (probably will change it to The Superman now).

[@christophercrane9540]

A movie that genuinely changed my life as a teenager, informed my ethics and my morals and made me see the world differently. The writing is so tight and so clean and all the performances are nuanced, even the over the top loud guys.

[@macmcleod1188]

I am pretty sure it did the same for me. It is the foundation of my view of my role as a juror in the juries I've served on.

[@RobFMDetroit]

This movie is a master class in writing, acting, staging, directing and filming, and it's the first film that I read about the use of different lenses to create the tighter-feeling atmosphere as the movie progresses. I never get tired of it.

[@EmlynBoyle]

It should be essential viewing for film students.

[@unvoicedapollo3318]

​@EmlynBoyle Aa someone who tends towards the more popcorn movies...this movie should be required viewing...period.

[@RobFMDetroit]

@@unvoicedapollo3318 100% 🤘🏼

[@steveoz8416]

Yours is the first comment on this movie that mentions different lenses were used. I've seen it mentioned for several other reviewers that the set was movable and the director gradually shrank the room. Anyone have sources saying which it was?

[@RobFMDetroit]

@@steveoz8416 I do. The book Making Movies, by Sidney Lumet, the director. He wrote about it.

[@ryanbuysse8867]

The blocking of the scene where Juror 3 demonstrates the downward angle of the stab wound is mastery. All 12 actors can be seen at once, each face looking at the action, and each face captured perfectly by the director.

[@moeball740]

I liked how when he went to demonstrate the stabbing action, the other jurors were actually worried he might really do it!

[@LOEKASH]

The reveal of the second knife is one of my favorite shots in movie history. When you first see it, the doubt hits you in the face like a rock.

[@charlesedward5047]

I agree. First time watching as a teenager that scene did create doubt in my mind. But rewatching as an adult, as soon as he threw the knife down, my first thought was: "how did he get through security with it?" That took me out and lessened the impact. Maybe back then, the jurors were not searched (nor nobody else). Different times.

[@stevenwoodward5923]

This movie came out a year before I was born, so I dont know what the laws were back then. Wouldn't the jury be sequestered? and not be able to go buy the knife. Wouldn't If someone had brought a knife in and was not presented at trial it wouldbe a mistrial.

[@LOEKASH]

While I am an advocate for movies making sense in some way, sometimes you have to suspend your disbelief for minor things like that.

[@markhamstra1083]

@@stevenwoodward5923The trial presumably took more than one day, and it is extremely rare that a jury is completely sequestered (put up in hotel rooms, meals brought in, not allowed to go out, etc.), so the jurors were still going back to their own homes every evening after the court recesses. That was certainly the case when I was a juror in a murder trial for a few weeks a little over a year ago. The jurors should, however, have been instructed not to try to investigate the crime on their own time, but to rely only on the evidence presented to everyone in court and on the court record. Today that mostly means don’t try to search the internet for information about the crime, but jurors also aren’t supposed to visit the crime scene on their own and the like. So, Henry Fonda’s character did very likely violate the instructions that the judge gave to the jurors about not investigating on their own, and his introduction of new evidence in the jury room that he had improperly gathered and presented off the record could have become grounds for an appeal had it somehow been used to sway the verdict toward guilty.

[@jeffreysmith236]

@@charlesedward5047 60 years ago, even in major cities, security was rarely necessary, even in court rooms. And sequestering juries is also rare, even now. No one pointed a finger and yelled "Racist!" at the guy, they just turned their backs, they recognized it then even without any indoctrination from a college professor.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

So many great moments in this movie. The bit with the "unique" knife, the "You don't REALLY mean that you'll kill me", the "He _DOESN'T_ speak good english" and others. This movie has stood the test of time. It has been remade at least 3 times - In fact this is a remake of the original live TV broadcast from a few years earlier - but this one is still the best.

[@noahartis1377]

I screamed when I saw that you guys were going to be reacting to this. It's one of my favorite movies of all time and I can't wait to watch y’alls reaction to it!

[@endarasman]

Same bro! I jumped out from my sear 😂

[@willraresheid34]

And they nailed it. Great job!

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Well, your siren works. Now try your lights.

[@bobmcfadden1111]

I’ve always thought this is one of the best cast films ever. Practically every one was a present or future TV or film star, or a notable character actor. The breadth of experience and accomplishment represented by this cast is truly remarkable. 👍

[@mattyoung7415]

I wrote this out before, but I think there was a re-upload, and I feel it bears repeating. Sidney Lumet was a genius. Aside from a great story and amazing characters, the camerwork in this is fucking incredible. Go back and watch a couple of scenes from the beginning, then watch a couple from the middle, and then the end. You'll notice that the first third of the film is shot from above eye level, the middle third is shot at eye level, and the last from below eye level. This means more of the walls, and eventually the ceiling, are in shot which increases the feeling of tension and claustrophobia. It's a work of art.

[@irrelevantandbeyond]

Additionally, I've read that they physically closed the walls in closer as the movie went on to create even more claustrophobia.

[@bonkyb8587]

Add to it, the cast is a who's who of Broadway and Hollywood's best character actors of the era. Hope S and G start deeply diving on more older films.

[@johnmaynardable]

Lumet has been great his entire career.

[@mattyoung7415]

@@rustincohle2135 IMDb trivia got it from me.

[@mattyoung7415]

@rustincohle2135 I don't understand how you could possibly know that.

[@MattB2603]

There was an interesting exchange between you two, when Henry Fondas character said the one witness was one of "them" too. George thought it was the same ethnicity, and Simone thought it was someone else who lived in the slums. Both of those work because we are never told anything really about the defendant so through the ages, the viewer can decide what they want about him, fill in the details with their own prejudice.

[@kathyastrom1315]

I love that at least some of the jurors have personalities consistent with their stated professions. Juror 8, the architect, is building the case for reasonable doubt. Juror 5, the stock brokerage guy, is very by the numbers in his approach to the case. Juror 3, the boss of his own company, is very much in charge and used to being so. Juror 1, the assistant coach, is guiding the rest of the jury as the foreman. Juror 12, the ad man, is all about image and sways in the breeze according to how he sees the vibe in the room going.

[@jakefromstatefarm6969]

@@kathyastrom1315 juror 4 not juror 5

[@movieman1556]

I am 63 years old and a former actor. It does my heart good to see you younger folks appreciate a true classic. Thank you for your positive post❤

[@tedrowland8672]

But he slipped through our fingers!!

[@jimlewis2395]

What movies were you in?

[@ldcardoso2806]

Lee J. Cobb's performance is one of the most powerful I have ever seen in films. His speech by the end of the movie, is a masterful acting work. He should have won the oscar for this performance, but unfourtenetely he wasn't even nominated, althoug 12 Angry Men was nominated for best picture, and Sidney Lumet for best director.

[@teejaykaye]

The emotional turnaround on Juror Number 3 is always incredible to witness. Just how quickly his facade falls apart and you realize the real conflict fueling his anger. And his sobbing confession of not guilty. It’s some of the best acting and characterization out there.

[@Cadinho93]

For me, this is one of the best films ever made. No special effects, no breathtaking locations, only the story and the acting skills of those involved make this film what it is. If you can create an atmosphere in such a small setting that captivates an audience until the end, then you know that you have mastered your craft. Also, it's great that a 66 year old black and white film can still get such a strong reaction even now. It's the beauty of cinema.

[@Braincleaner]

the film uses every frame to tell the story and tell you about the characters. Even the first pan across the men in the jury box tells you so much about each man.

[@nkfd4688]

The other thing about this film that I loved, is that you never learn the name of anyone until the end, and even still they all really remain nameless

[@tinatidmore3809]

and yet, the discussion ended up being so personal, even intimate. They really got to know the innards of each other without even knowing each others' names.

[@simoliz03]

👏@@tinatidmore3809

[@partypoppers1988]

I'm glad you're exploring the black & white classics now. After 'It's a Wonderful Life' and now '12 Angry Men', you're now starting to discover the wealth of cinema history 😌

[@danpalacios1540]

100% agree. The 80s and 90s were a wealth of great/campy movies worth watching but the previous 50 years also created many timeless classics that are waiting to be discovered by new generations

[@tfe1788]

Psycho 1960, Casablanca 1942 should be the next watched

[@JEndless2025]

This movie was the film directorial debut of Sidney Lumet. A heck of a way to kick off a career. He went on to direct Fail Safe(1964) Serpico(1973), Dog Day Afternoon(1975), Network(1976), and Running On Empty(1988). Six of the greatest dramas to ever come out of Hollywood. He also directed many other movies of varying quality and genres between the 50's-2000's. Not always amazing but always interesting.

[@vincentsaia6545]

...and THE VERDICT

[@Madbandit77]

​@@vincentsaia6545 And "Prince Of The City". Treat Williams, who died this year, should have been Oscar nominated.

[@keith2366]

I was 11 years old when I saw Fail Safe. Scared the heck out of me.

[@michaelorlowski7722]

And "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead."

[@Madbandit77]

@@michaelorlowski7722 His last film.

[@MisterHand1]

I’ve seen this movie many times and even more reaction videos, and every time I still tear up the same way Simone does on the final “not guilty.” Great reaction, both of you!

[@fiverx2159]

Easily one of the best written films ever. This version is perfection

[@kendric2000-q3d]

I remember our teacher showing this movie in Psychology class. To show the effects or 'group-thinking' and pointing out the distinct personality types. It's a masterpiece of film-making.

[@tedrowland8672]

But be careful or he'll slip through our fingers!!

[@zacharyjoy8724]

Definitely one of the best character dramas ever made. I’m so glad you’re reacting to it, because I firmly believe it needs to be seen by every generation.

[@jamesrowles9249]

When the angry father breaks down and begins to cry... that brought tears to me too.

[@jamesharper3933]

A great classic with a marvelous cast of characters. Yes, Henry Fonda is Peter and Jane's father. Lee J Cobb was on The Exorcist, Martin Balsam was in Psycho. Jack Klugman was in TV on The Odd Couple and Quincy. Ed Begley is Begley Jr's father. Jack Warden was the judge in the Al Pacino film And Justice For All. John Fielder was best known as the voice of Piglet in Winnie the Pooh.

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

Lee j cobb was really great in a movie with clint Eastwood called coogans bluff.

[@moeball740]

Speaking of Henry and Jane Fonda, their story has some unusual twists. Not surprising for the 1960s and 1970s, father Henry became more conservative as he aged while daughter Jane was very liberal. They had some real nasty arguments and became estranged and hardly spoke to each other for years. Then came the movie On Golden Pond in which they played an estranged father and daughter finally reconciling after years of animosity towards each other. Off screen was mirroring the on screen story as well as Henry and Jane finally settled their differences. Henry won an Oscar for his portrayal but was too ill to attend the Academy Awards so Jane tearfully accepted his Oscar for him. Quite the turnaround! Henry died soon afterwards.

[@jessicaasakevich2264]

Also, EG Marshall as Clark's father in law in Christmas Vacation ("Don't piss me off, Art.")

[@okgo620]

I remember Jack Warden from " Problem Child" with John Ritter.

[@brianwashines2645]

I can say that this film is still being studied in film schools and screenwriting courses today as an example of wonderful and engaging writing. One setting, driven by its dialogue and characters only. We know the risk isn't in the main twelve characters, it's the decision they'll make. It carries a weight. When you hear the work of a David Mamet or an Aaron Sorkin, it is films like this one that inspired them and so many others. Bringing a person to life on the page before they appear on the screen is an amazing talent to have and Reginald Rose's writing is superb here as is Lumet's direction.

[@keithralston1133]

Exceptional acting for the entire cast. Quite a few giants in the industry altogether in one room. One of my all time favorites.

[@chadbennett7873]

My absolute favorite moment in this movie was the moment of grace that Davis showed by helping him on with his coat at the end. Simone's reaction to that moment was mine as well. I always tear up. So much animosity, but it wasn't taken personally, and I truly believe it is a trait we have lost in these days. One we should all try to display again. Thank you, Simone, for your moment of grace in reognizing it.

[@ryanbuysse8867]

The long single shot at the beginning when they enter the jury room is so awesome. 6:30 minutes of uninterrupted acting.

[@TheBlott2319]

I still remember when I first watched this film. I was so engrossed in the story and it is told so well that in the middle of a Michigan winter, I found myself sweating as if I was also experiencing the same heat they suffer from in the film. Every detail of this movie is done brilliantly and frankly, you can't go wrong with almost all of Sidney Lumet's filmography.

[@VilleHalonen]

Me: "Too bad Cinebinge don't really watch pre-80s movies." Cinebinge: This title. Ffffffiiiine...

[@grothesk80]

12 Angry Men is a movie that respects the audience and knows how to present tension and intrigue. Your reaction to it was great, thank you!

[@frankinzoidwright5666]

12 Angry Men is in my top favorite movies of all time. I'm glad you guys enjoyed it so much. I still tear up when the man rips up the picture of his kid.

[@david83ryan]

This movie is a masterclass in film making...the way the camera pans down to eye level as the deliberations go on is a stroke of genius!

[@vincegamer]

Jack klugman is one of my all-time favorite actors. He's amazing in everything he's in. But there are so many screen Giants here that you almost forget he's in it.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

The gentle, friendly guy in the film ... who knows how to use a switchblade.

[@vincegamer]

@@RideAcrossTheRiver just like me 😁

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@vincegamer No, because Klugman's character wasn't smug about it.

[@richardmeyer1007]

All the reactors I subscribed to absolutely LOVE this movie, and with good reason. The story, the director, and especially the actors. They were some of the finest actors for their time. I hope you get to see more of their work.

[@stpetie7686]

If you guys are interested in having another black and white movie break into your top 5 list, check out Casablanca. Even though the subject matter is totally different, the films are similar in that story and dialogue are the drivers. They are two of the best films ever produced. The older I get and the more movies I see, the higher my opinion of both of them goes. I know it's a worn out phrase, but they are both classics for a reason.

[@theLeftHandedDog]

I don't agree.... No comparison. Twelve Angry Men was a well-thought out story with a point and a skilled writer telling it... Casablanca is a mess of a film; they barely had a script when they started shooting, about fifty guys had a hand in writing the dialogue, no idea what they were going for... it's just liked for the nostalgia and attractive actors and a couple of good scenes - entirely by accident. It's wildly overrated.

[@helvete_ingres4717]

@@theLeftHandedDog yeah casablanca is a typical (for the time) hollywood melodrama, maybe executed better than most. more of a crowd-pleasing audience favourite than a really important boundary-pushing piece of cinema like Citizen Kane or the Red Shoes

[@thesuckerisyou]

@theuninformedobserver7878 Wildly overrated? A melodrama, that has actors of the caliber of Bogart, Rains, Bergman, Greenstreet, Lorre is elevated beyond that tedious term. There's always that guy that has to be abstract, and different. When it comes to Casablanca, that's you. Bless you.

[@shawnmiller4781]

I’ll settle this 5 Black and White films they need to watch next Casablanca Inherit the Wind Creature from the Black Lagoon The best years of their lives And just because they are Canadian Run Silent Run Deep And honourable mention because it is a Canadian film “Zero Hour”

[@ammaleslie509]

OMG you guys haven't seen Casablanca ???

[@kh884488]

I think the best thing about this film is that, aside from a brief look at the defendant, we only know the details about the case from the jurors themselves. The audience becomes the jury of the jurors. It's over 2/3 of a century old and still an excellent film which is relevant today.

[@aniket8350]

Wow I never thought of it that way.

[@lordrahl2345]

I first saw this movie as a sophomore in high school in speech/debate class and have seen this movie many times and as I became an adult and have seen my son grow to be an adult, my reaction to the father breaking now has me choked up, it just hits different as a parent. Definitely a top 10 all-time for me.

[@dennislopez1272]

Im thrilled you guys have finally seen this movie. "12 Angry Men" is my all-time favorite. I wrote a paper on this film. The writing, directing, acting, and cinematography were nothing short of amazing. It is a masterpiece. Im so glad you both enjoyed it. Im right there with you, Simone. Every time i watch this movie, when Lee J Cobb breaks down at the end, I get emotional. Just a brilliant actor.

[@Tannhauser62]

It's fantastic to see you doing some older films. There's so much brilliant stuff for you to explore.

[@shawnmiller4781]

Yup we need more of the older stuff!

[@bligabliga]

i want them to see the 1975 'The Count of Monte Cristo'

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

_Whatever Happened to Baby Jane_

[@Paxford0502]

I think this is one of those rare movies that you can truly call "timeless." It gets right to the heart of humanity: how we each carry prejudice, bias, life experience, personal morality. And it's about finding common ground among all of that myriad of backgrounds and life.

[@scrizzjunior]

I've been waiting for this one. A 10/10 movie and one of my all-time favorites. Beautifully shot, expertly acted, and perfectly written. The emotional weight of the breakdown of juror 3 and the small gesture of helping him with his jacket gets me every time. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@larrybell726]

What you just saw was a master class in acting done by 12 of the best character and mainstream actors of the 1950's. Superb! Love the reaction.

[@waterbeauty85]

"Inherit the Wind" (1960) starring the great Spencer Tracy and Frederic March is another terrific courtroom drama based on a play. To be honest, I find the movie superior to the play because it fleshes out the characters and gives them more depth and human complexity than the play which uses them mostly as means to state the sociological/philosophical points the author wanted to express.

[@jeffperdue2804]

I have never seen anyone react to Inherent The Wind, I would love it if they ever do

[@shawnmiller4781]

I was waiting for Awkward Ashley to review that one since it takes place in Tennessee. I’m pretty sure that growing up in a religious family in the part of the world she has heard of the Scopes Monkey Trial

[@shawnmiller4781]

Based on the Scopes Monkey Trial which was a real case argues by William Jennings Bryant and Clarence Darrow. Harry Morgan, Claude Akins and Fred Astaire

[@jeffperdue2804]

@@shawnmiller4781 The trial that allowed evolution teaching in public schools. Landmark case

[@shawnmiller4781]

@@jeffperdue2804 And it was also a total publicity stunt on the part of the town

[@rickyyt7305]

Thanks!

[@bettrhalf8006]

Not only one of the best movies I've ever seen, but that scene where everyone stands and silently turns away is one of my favorite scenes ever. It's so incredibly simple and powerful. It took my breath away the first time I watched it. I'm glad you both saw it so you can enjoy it as well, there are few movies out there that I think are a "must watch" for everyone, but it's hard to believe there's anyone out there who wouldn't find something in this movie to fall in love with.

[@andrewwiggin]

I love watching people experience this movie for the first time. The comedy of it. The tragedy. The depth of character. Just an amazing film.

[@albertsmith9315]

Since last week when you gave this week's lineup, I've been waiting for today.... I knew you'd love this film. Just think, no car chases, no explosions, no s*x, no nudity, and yet you never lost focus or interest. A great film.

[@mikeshoe74]

18:13 Great call!! He is the voice of Piglet. We watched this in Hish School, which is the early 90's for me. My classmates and I recognized 2 characters in this film. The voice of Piglet, and Jack Klugman who played Oscar Madison in the Odd Couple, which was very popular in reruns to us 80's kid.

[@rozequinn1519]

John Donald Fiedler (February 3, 1925 - June 25, 2005) was an American actor. He played Juror #2 in 12 Angry Men (1957) and was the voice of Piglet in Disney's Winnie the Pooh movies.

[@aychelleff]

I thought it was so cute that Simone recognized this! It’s such a distinct voice lol I always imagine Piglet when I hear him talking

[@shawnmiller4781]

He performed as Piglet for like 60-70 years

[@rozequinn1519]

@shawnmiller4781 he was 80 when passed away so hardly 60-70 years. Try 1968-2005...that's the year he passed. R.I.P.

[@davidparris7167]

On first viewing it is the brilliance of the cast and the script that really impresses the viewer but on subsequent viewings it is also the B&W cinemaphotography, lighting, editing and above all the director who makes this movie a masterpiece. The camera is like a thirteenth character in telling this morality tale where objective truth can sometimes overturn subjective reality.

[@noelleparris9451]

It made me happy to hear how much you enjoyed this movie. It´s a classic, and it really deserves all kinds of accolades for the script, the shooting (camera work), the acting/casting and the mood/ambience. So many fine actors in this film that too few people today know. Glad you recognized the excellence!

[@SteveChase-p6y]

What makes this movie one of the greatest is because, when we watch a movie we look for the character arc. In this movie we had 11 character arcs. Very rare occurrence

[@jasonstem9908]

This is one of the few of the classics that really stands up. A true masterpiece of film. Has a message that's timeless as well as relevant to everyone.

[@dasx2gra]

this is a collection of some of the very best character actors in Hollywood history!! fun fact, the director made the jury room smaller as he filmed, to make it seem that the pressure was closing in on them!!!!

[@valbonney2575]

Always among my top ten favourite films in any genre - superb in every aspect. Great reaction, and I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was good to see your emotions when the final juror (the magnificent Lee J Cobb) breaks down at the end; his own heartbreak, despite his apparent hatefulness throughout, also deserves our understanding.

[@Drake844221]

Part of why it is set in a single room is because it is based on a stage play. I can just imagine how powerful it would be to see this acted out in person.

[@donaldleider7382]

Watched this movie in film class at community college in 1975. Everyone in the room was blown away by it. I’m still in awe of this movie today. Just 12 actors in one room, the whole movie, and it was riveting ! Probably the least expensive movie ever made.

[@moderndancingfool]

I love that the two of you keep reacting to movies we don't see other people react to. This one is a gem.

[@royjohnson3361]

The jury foreman was played by actor Martin Balsam, who also played detective Arbogast in Hitchcock's "Psycho".

[@cathleencooks748]

He also played George Halas the head coach of the Chicago Bears in the tv movie Brian's Song one of my favorite movies

[@Chatwin78]

I believe the sharp black and white cinematography is an important part of this film, particularly in the stark close-ups of faces. Brilliant film.

[@prunyanprunyan8139]

This is my favorite reaction of yours to a movie (so far). The movie itself IS exceptional, and it's a joy and fun to see you both like it so much! I've seen it at least 10 times now, and every time I watch it I pick up new details, like the storm and heat finally breaking when the vote becomes tied at 6-6. There's a ton of symbolism of this kind throughout.

[@bbwng54]

This is an iconic film. From Wikipedia: "At the 30th Academy Awards, it was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. It is regarded by many as one of the greatest films ever made. In 2007, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".. Additionally, it was selected as the second-best courtroom drama ever (after 1962's To Kill a Mockingbird) by the American Film Institute for their AFI's 10 Top 10 list>"

[@EmlynBoyle]

I clearly remember watching this for the first time (when I was a teenager obsessed with fx driven stuff). My dad had been trying to get me to watch it, but I kept putting it off…thinking that it would be the dullest thing ever. So to humour him, I put it on and thought I would give up after twenty minutes...but I was just hooked the entire way through. A simple concept done amazingly well. This movie is a masterpiece. PS - yes, there is complete consistency to the world/logic of the movie, and all the characters are beautifully defined in their own individual way. If only a lot of modern movies still did this.

[@theish79]

I'm so glad that you guys enjoyed this movie. I first saw it when I was 8 years old and I was absolutely mesmerized. This is truly a classic in every way imaginable.

[@glozwellvonzergelflerven7405]

Yep. It isn't always like this but this is a movie you see for the first time and just understand immediately why it's a classic.

[@joelmoreno4223]

Sydney Lumet made some incredible movies, in addition to "12 Angry Men": "Fail Safe", "Serpico", "Prince of the City", and "The Verdict." Don't pass up the opportunity to watch any of these incredible movies, you definetly won't be sorry!

[@gotpaladin9520]

We randomly got to be in a 12 Angry Men play in high school. I ended up getting voted to be the 8th Juror. It was a huge confidence boost when I was complimented by the teachers for how well my performance was. (this was 15 years ago LOL).

[@brachiator1]

What a cool experience. And it's a great idea to use this in school.

[@nlberglov8458]

cap

[@gotpaladin9520]

@@nlberglov8458 nah, its something i think about when i feel like shit. Lol. At least i did something cool in my life

[@Trepanation21]

@@gotpaladin9520 I would have loved (still would!) to participate in a project like that. It's such an interesting story with so much room for character expression! I love that you cherish the experience. Have a great life, bro.

[@Do0msday]

I was beyond excited when I saw you were reacting to this. It's easily one of the greatest movies ever made in my opinion. I also think that this movie has *THE* best cast of all time. The reason I say that is because it literally takes place in a single room with 12 men. Some have more lines than others, but every single juror manages to stand out with positives and negatives. Every juror also manages to evolve by the end of the movie. They play off of each other flawlessly, add in random bits of humor, or bring in a more serious tone via their own personal opinion/bias. This is a masterpiece and easily one of the best movies ever made. Maybe the kid killed his father and maybe he didn't. The main point was about checking one's bias at the door and how important reasonable doubt is. I've seen this movie more times than I can count and still find it one of the most re-watchable movies out there.

[@SurvivorBri]

The camera work in this is superb. The pacing was on point. The performers were all up to it. And if you notice that in the beginning you view the courthouse from the bottom of the steps to make it look intimidating. At the end you see it from the top of the steps looking down. The intimidation factor is taken away.

[@zomish13]

One of my favorite movies. The cinematography is amazing. It starts with one long shot and lots of wide shots and aerial shots. The end the shots are all tight and quick, focused on one person. This ramps up the tension throughout the movie.

[@SnabbKassa]

The baseball fan mentions his team's great new player, who has a Polish name, at the start of the movie, The guy he moans about "coming here running for his life" is also Polish.

[@francoisevassy6614]

I have read somewhere that he comes from former Czechoslovakia.

[@DrataTheDrifter]

Jiri (George) Voskovec was big star in pre-WWII Czechoslovakia

[@SteveA308]

This is one of my dads favourite movies. We lost him in 2018 offically but probably about 2005 no thanks to dimentia. Thank you for sharing. Seen it a few times, its just like a play. For the record his other favourite films were The Towering Inferno, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and anything with John Wayne in it. RIP Bill.

[@xbubblehead]

Many of these actors went on to success in TV shows after this film, and a few were already well-established film actors when this was made.

[@chemquests]

Love that you loved it! Your specific descriptions of what was on point validates for me your authority to critique movies. Seriously this isn’t just a reaction channel but true film criticism. Agree this is one of the great films

[@absher2241]

I’d never seen this movie before. I read your thumbnail so I watched it before I watched your reaction. Wow, thank you so much for this. I’d heard of this movie but I rarely take the time to watch older movies like this. 💯 amazed by how such a simple movie can deliver great performances and a powerful story. Thank you thank you thank you. I was captivated the whole time. You guys are the best!

[@CrowTRobot-ni7zu]

Yes!! I’m so glad you picked this one. This is a film EVERYONE needs to see at least once in their lives.

[@Leonardo-ub8qb]

I saw it a few months ago and instantly entered my top 10. An absolute masterclass in writing.

[@YoshMaster]

I was shown this movie in school when I was about 14. I wasn’t that thrilled about an old b&w movie chosen by a teacher but I was rapidly mesmerized by the immense quality of the acting and the script. I ended up loving it so much, I never ever forgot about it and always remembered it fondly. It’s also the movie that made me give a chance to other “old” movies! Sadly I was one of the few students who really gave the movie a chance or that realized how great of a movie it was.. It is still to this day one of my favourite movies and one I consider to be one of the brightest for its amazing ability to use a single room and it being 99% conversations and yet being absolutely captivating! This movie is a masterclass of cinema as to how “less can be more” and how “dialogues are so damn important”. Must be why I ended up being such a fan of Tarantino haha

[@MegaForrestgump]

This is one of the few movies that can stand the test of time. Originally produced in 1957. And it is still able to make people fall in love with it. The writing, the character growth and development all hold relevance in today's society.

[@michaelhoward142]

Wow. What a great reaction to a truly outstanding movie classic. If only more movies were made today with such attention to detail. The writing was perfection and each of the twelve actors was amazing. Thank you both so much for giving this movie the kind of reaction it deserves. 👍👍🤗🤗

[@milesisediting]

Absolute brilliant filmmaking. Showing that you dont always need big sets and anything to make a rollercoaster of a movie

[@philb2085]

A dozen great actors, a great lighting cameraman, a fantastic script and a great director... job done.

[@OldRod99]

This is such a great movie. 12 great actors, portraying 12 great characters. Such a classic. FYI, there was a remake in 1997, but glad you watched the original

[@tommarks3726]

Just about every member of that jury is an icon in Hollywood or well thought of. Lots of great movies under their belts. Classic film. Great reaction.

[@MikeOwen-u8j]

Lee j Cobb should've got an academy award for this movie 🎥 fantastic cast