12 Angry Men (1957) | First Time Reaction

I genuinely think this is a great example of a perfect movie. Not a single wasted moment, frame or line. So timeless, so important. I’m really glad people are still watching it and enjoying it for the first time.

the way they slowly introduce evidence as exposition throughout the conversation makes it so engaging. You forget this entire movie takes place in 1 room

"It's so much easier to feel angry than any other feeling." Truuuuuueeeee

Notice that the man (the house painter) who defended the old man had been looking after the old man from the beginning (helping him with his coat, being aware that the old man was in the restroom, et cetera). The old man was willing to extend the deliberation because it was also his opportunity to do something important, just as he said about the old man who had been a witness. Back in those days, movie theaters were air conditioned and most homes and apartments were not. People went to the movies just to get cool and often didn't even bother know what was playing when they went in. So, it wasn't terribly surprising that a "meh" movie could be quickly forgotten.

The ethnicity, race, religion, background of the accused is never explicitly stated which helps make it more timeless and applies to any prejudice or bigotry. But it is likely from the quick shot of his face, that he is Puerto Rican, as there was a lot of immigration to New York City at that time and a lot of conflict (see ‘West Side Story’ as an example.)

When he helps him put on his coat at the end and collect what dignity he has left. Such a powerful moment. Truly one of the greatest films of all time.

Fonda's baby blues are so powerful not even black and white can disguise them

the little guy with glasses was the voice of piglet in winie the pooh.

Holy shit, I fuckin love this movie. Juror #8 (Henry Fonda) is a true role model. And Lee J. Cobb as Juror #3 is one of the best performances of the 20th century!

Since you pointed out Henry Fonda's blue eyes, you MUST watch Once Upon a Time in the West at some point. How his eyes are used will shock you.

I think the problem with court cases is everyone assumes its "Guilty" vs "Innocent". It's not. Its "Guilty" vs "Not Guilty".

"Abuse the hell outta them and then wonder why they don't call ya for 2 yeahs!" VERY good Juror #3 impression, Maple lol

Has there ever been a person who has watched 12 Angry Men, and not liked it.... "It's not possible"

One of the Best part of this movie is the conversation in the bathroom. "Suppose you talk us out of this: and the kid really did kill his father."

Lee J Cobb and Henry Fonda are both outstanding in this film. Lee J Cobb is also the quintessential gangster in 1957's Oscar winner On the Waterfront, starring Marlon Brando, Carl Malden, Rod Steiger and Eva Marie Saint. Great film. Practically swept the Oscars.

You just forget that its in black and white, you forget that its a movie. The acting and cinematography is just so good.

This film was way ahead of its time in 1957, as it addressed overcoming our own biases and prejudices. My favorite part is where Fonda helps Lee J Cobb with his coat just to comfort him--he felt pity for a man who had no relationship with his own son. I am a lawyer by trade and have tried over 100 cases. Arianna is right--the system is indeed flawed. Jurors do compromise, they do act on prejudice, and they often don't care at all about the case. As for quality of defense, often the public defenders are not very good. I went to work at a big private firm because I knew I'd get paid far less working for the govt, so its a system that works much better for the wealthy than the poor. At my firm I did several pro bono criminal cases, including defending a few serious felonies--but sadly, it true--not everybody gets a quality defense.

This is my ALL-TIME favorite Black and White movie! I've shown it to dozens of people! Great Choice!

McCardle may be my favorite movie character of all time. He is such an adorable little dude. I want to adopt him as my grampa and make him proud of me.

The actor who played Juror #3, Lee J Cobb, was the one I hated the most, got angry at the most, and really did his job in everyone hate him. To me, he was the best actor in the movie, and at the end, he was the one that I really felt sorry for, as his real struggle was shown. Nearly all the cast went on to become top stars in television and movies, during the 60's-80's. I saw the 1997 remake, and within 5 minutes, I changed the channel, as the acting was bad, even though it had some superstar actors in the cast. It was not really that good.