And there you have it. You don't need special effects for a movie to be great, nor fancy sets nor huge budgets. You need a tight script with a clear idea of the story line, a director with imagination and talented actors who can bring their characters to life. Brilliant film. Good reaction, Ms Emma.
I love #4. “Now sit down and don't open your mouth again”. Brilliant. He is never emotional, never makes it personal, and switches the moment all the facts prove to be in doubt. And even in this moment he keeps absolutely calm... and it's chilling.
What gets lost, because he plays the villain, is Ed Begley's performance. He plays that slow burn . You know off the bat you may not like the character. As he talks more and more you just can't take him and then he goes off and the whole room turns on him. The cast is brilliant but his performance gets lost.
@@manueldeabreu1980 Oh, yes, he is great. And I've heard he was actually the sweetest guy in reality. I have a theory that actors that play great villains usually turn out to be good people.
@@migmit After expertly playing one of the sleaziest villains of all time in "The Apartment", Fred MacMurray was so disgusted he vowed to never play a villain again. He went on to be famous for only playing nice guy/Dad roles. My Three Sons/Disney movies, etc.
I thought it was Juror #8 who said that. I do like #4, though. He stuck to the facts, and never showed any emotion. He was the most logical one in the room.
Oooooh I'm so glad you liked this. This movie's one of my absolute favorites... and I've recently fallen down a rabbithole of watching people's reactions to it. Here's my favorite thing about it: I find it so profoundly moving not just that Juror 8 manages to save the young boy's life. But that he does so by awakening that sense of shared responsibility in every single man in that room. Living together in a society is hard. We're all alone, all burdened by something different, all tired and scared and angry and bored... and yet still piled together, bumping into each other. We fight. We argue. We don't like each other. We hold different opinions and beliefs. We'd all rather be somewhere, anywhere, else than mashed all together. But J8 leans in. He puts aside his own feelings and carries on the slow, boring, patient work. And the thing that absolutely kills me is that his decency is contagious. He doesn't just change their minds. He creates the condition for them to change their own minds. I think this is one of the very best depictions of the high ideals of living together in a liberal democracy. It gives me hope. Update: I got a jury summons in the mail yesterday. I'll be sure to wear a white suit :)
This is one of those great movies. I want to bring up an important point. This movie is from a time when the real man, a mature man, is often portrayed as wise, thinking, considerate, courteous, and respectful. In being this way, he gains respect without using force, threats, or bravado, only his thoughtful deliberate words. In this movie, you clearly see that. The loud, bullying, and vulgar men are seen as childish and immature, the worst kind of man. How often do we see grown men today acting like overgrown children? We can see how these adult mature men gain respect and how the childish men lose it. Despite being made in 1957, it still has so much relevance today. Even in the last scene when Henry Fonda helps the last holdout with his jacket, he is mature and respectful. This was common in movies and TV shows of the 40s, 50s, and 60's as examples of how to behave and gain respect, and began to change in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Today, we see childish man-boys in movies and on TV most often.
Yes, the superficiality is awful. Even the 1997 remake (with some extraordinary actors) suffered from the same problem--quick cuts and the characters being much more stereotypical weakened the impact. Audiences have become addicted to quick, flashy drama (and CGI) How many times do we see reactions that bitch about long takes and "slow pacing"?
Exactly, compare the stoicism of Kirk in The Wrath of Kahn vs. Star Trek Into Darkness. Men and women are portrayed like emotional lunatics in so much of modern media.
@@stormhawk3319 He's a good man, flawed, but good. His willingness to "sell out" if nobody changed their vote, for example, isn't ideal. I'm a nitpicker, sorry.
I had the pleasure of dong the play this movie is based on. I was Juror #11, the naturalized American serving his first time on a jury, something unknown in his native land . The text and character description is deliberately vague about where he is from exactly.. With very little editing, the original dialog is mostly preserved. The reason the play was called "12 Angry Men" is because each of the jurors has, at some point in the performance, at least one angry or impassioned speech. When the play was written, only men served on a jury. Thankfully, this is no longer the case.
In the top 5 on my list. 12 great actors in one room just acting out a great script to perfection. I always well up at the end when Lee J. Cobb breaks down. Great reaction, Emma.
A great primer on the American legal system, with Lee J. Cobb a traditionalist focusing on guilt or innocence, and Henry Fonda following the Court’s instructions, ignoring guilt or innocence, and focusing instead on reasonable doubt. A great post-WW II movie with the common man now the great man.
Loved your reaction, Emma. You have a tender heart and are very emotive, something which I appreciate. Glad you enjoyed this classic film that so well describes the human condition.
I love Emma’s reactions. She’s such a sweet person. It also helps that she’s as smart as she is. She enjoys film and yet she’s also engaged in the story. Lovely lass, that Emma.
I've watched a lot of reactions to this film. Emma, you are the only one to appreciate the great performance of Lee J. Cobb (the last man standing). Hooray to you!
Lee J Cobb, the final holdout, never fails. They are all wonderful actors. There is a TV version of "Death of a Salesman" from the 60s you can probably find on TH-cam where he gives an unforgettable performance.
They call this part of the trial process deliberation because you're supposed to be "deliberate in thought." I love this movie!!!! There is a 1990s remake and a 1954 tv mini series.
This was originally done as a made-for-tv teleplay. The actors who played the old man and the immigrant watchmaker reprised their roles from the tv version in this movie.
This is more than a movie about a legal case, it's about thinking and open mindedness. The ability to speak your true thoughts without the support of the others takes real integrity and strong principles. We are all in that little room, every day, and we all have our biases. But our clear-headed thinking and open mindedness can cut through the distortions and lies if only we have the integrity to do so.
I think this is one of the top 5 best movies ever made. "Suppose you talk us out of this; and the boy did kill his father." And they never answered the question
They don't have to. The risk of punishing an innocent person is higher than letting a guilty one go. That's why reasonable doubt is built into the system. And it is up to the viewer to fill in the blanks. Too many stories spell everything out and even repeat it to drive some point home.
The rotunda shown in the first scene and the stairs shown in the last scene were filmed at the New York State Supreme Court Building, located at 60 Centre Street in NYC. If you stand in the middle of the rotunda and speak, there’s a tremendous echo; however, people standing only a few feet away won’t hear a thing. It’s cool. I've been inside many times not as a defendant but while filming.
Too many people discount old black and white movies simply because that is what they are. But I believe it is indisputable that some of the best movies in the history of the genre were created in those early days, before we got so hung up on CGI and graphic depictions of violence and sex. This is not to say that good movies aren’t made now, there are always a few. I just wish people would watch and give a chance to more of the old classics. So thank you for helping with this!
There were a lot of horrible old black and white movies made too. The fact that a movie from 70 years ago is still being watched and is relevent today pretty much means it's a great movie. Eighty years from now maybe there'll still be reactors to movies and people will complain that the old 2D stuff doesn't get the respect it deserves... and they'll be right and a few of today's movies will maybe join the ranks of the Casablanca, Citizen Kane, 12 Angry Men, and others that truly have stood the test of time.
It's amazing how much worse our public discourse has become. A racist rant 29:07 which made people in 1957 turn their backs is not as bad as public campaign speeches today by a former President.
My 5th grade elementary school played about 5 important educational films in class to us kids . The ones I remember are: 12 ANGRY MEN, TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD, and FAIL SAFE. All 3 were powerful experiences. Especially FAIL SAFE! About stopping a nuclear war with Russia! React to FAIL SAFE if you can...
This film is amazing on so many levels. As the jury files into the jury room, a single camera shot starts, lasting more than seven minutes. It follows the actors as they move around. It is remarkable filmmaking for its day.
Its a great movie based on a great stage play, and the cast here is outstanding and so impassioned. Glad you enjoyed it and I really enjoy your reactions and your intuition for anticipating what is going to happen next.
This amazing film was from the long hot summer I was born in--1957. It's so brilliant with a stellar cast, incredible direction and cinematography with the most carefully crafted screenplay ever. It's reassuring that it is still wonderful 67 years later. Henry Fonda was the biggest Hollywood star in the cast, but, for example Lee. J. Cobb (the furious Juror#3) was a highly regarded actor. He played the old detective in "the Exorcist". (And, hey, the Yankees still play Cleveland...)
2:05 -- RE: The Cast; IMO the greatest thing about this film is the casting, although I wouldn't want that statement to take anything away from the drama of the plot. Suffice it to say there's several really well known actors in here alongside several who are better known as being top-notch supporting cast. Special mention must go to 2 individuals: Lee J. Cobb, who plays the last hold-out, and E.G. Marshall who is the second to last.
Thank you, Emma, for your wonderful reaction to this incredible movie. I think you opened up a little window in my mind about what a fantastic short lesson this is about breaking down prejudice and apathy using reason and empathy.
The 12 jury members were played by actors who were or became very well-known and respected for their top-tier acting skills. This is a prime example of a classic movie doing everything right. A masterpiece.
Such a powerhouse cast. Henry Fonda (#8) & Martin Balsam (#1) would win Oscars later on in their careers. Lee J. Cobb (#3), Jack Warden (#7) & Ed Begley Sr (#10) all received Oscar nominations in their careers, while E.G. Marshall (#4) and Jack Klugman (#5) both won multiple Emmy awards.
Henry Fonda was a big star at the time and most of the other actors were well known in that time. Fonda was Jane Fonda's father (actress) and did many Westerns, some with Jimmie Stewart.
It really is a masterwork, isn't it? The acting, the cinematography in a confined space,the script and dialogue plus the distinct personalities: Juror 8 is an architect so he wants to understand how things are constructed; the watchmaker craftsman who gets into a heated argument with a guy who keeps worrying about the time. Very subtle and brilliant. If you haven't seen them there are some other great films that take place in a single setting. Alfred Hitchcock did 3: LIFEBOAT (1944), ROPE (1948) and REAR WINDOW (1954). Also the director of this film Sidney Lumet tdid an excellent courtroom drama from 1982 THE VERDICT which is outstanding. Wonderful reaction. Cheers!
This is what I call a talkie. No action, all dialog, facial and body language. And all twelve actors are totally convincing of their particular personalities. It is one of my favorite films ever. Do yourself a favor and watch "A Face in the Crowd", also a brilliant talkie.
An amazing film for the cast/acting, the direction, the dialogue and the story. These were some of the greatest actors of the time, and they were all magnificent in this and portrayed their characters perfectly. I love this movie and I am very glad you have seen it.
The movie was set in New York. Women were allowed to serve on juries in that state starting in 1927. It just served the purposes of the story for all the jurors to be men. It's interesting to think how it would have been different if there were at least one woman on the jury. Did you notice that none of the characters' names were given until the very end, when jurors 8 and 9 introduced themselves to each other on the courthouse steps? Juror 10 (the bigot) didn't speak a word after juror 4 (the cool-headed guy) told him not to open his mouth again. Even when casting his final vote, he did it by shaking his head. Director Sidney Lumet began the movie using camera angles above the jurors' heads, and slowly moved it downwards. He also used more close-ups as the movie went on. The result was an increasing feeling of being in a small space. One thing I like about this movie is how the different characters bring their own experience and perspectives into the jury room with them. The old man understood why another old man would testify the way he did. The guy who lived in a slum knew about how switchblades were used in actual fights. The smallest juror who brought up the question of the kid stabbing downward while being so much shorter than his father. "12 Angry Men" was Sidney Lumet's first theater film (he had already directed things for television). Some of his other movies include "The Pawnbroker," "Fail Safe," "Serpico, ", "Murder on the Orient Express," "Dog Day Afternoon," "Network," "The Wiz," "The Verdict" and "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead." "Dog Day Afternoon" is a favorite of mine that was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, and it won for Best Original Screenplay.
Lumet also directed "Prince Of The City" (the late Treat Williams should have been Oscar-nominated), "The Hill", "The Anderson Tapes", "Night Falls In Manhattan", "Guilty As Sin", "Q&A", "Family Business" and "Find Me Guilty".
So glad that you decided to watch this timeless classic. I was surprised though that you didn't recognize the last hold-out juror, played by Lee J. Cobb, who played the police detective in "The Exorcist", a film you watched 1 week earlier. He had range.
Did you recognize the lone holdout ,who had a issue with his own son? He was the detective and movie fan from 1973s The Exorcist! Such a powerful and angry performance! All the actors did an excellent job.
Another chamber play-like film, like 12 Angry Men, is "Flight of the Phoenix". This time with the lead actor's best friend, Jimmy Stewart. Again, no real women in the proceedings and a handful of men (including four Oscar winners) fighting for their survival and a crazy idea that could bring salvation... You'll love it...!
Sidney Lumet a very under appreciated director who made some great movies: "Fail Safe", "Serpico", "Prince of the City" and "The Verdict". Emma - any of these movies would be excellent choices to react to.
Great reaction Emma! I'm so glad you enjoyed the movie. Like everyone has said all these actors were Great actors top of their game in this movie. I think you'd like Jimmy Stewart in 'Rear Window'. If you are up for some fun try Gene Kelly in the musical 'Singing in the rain' great dance and singing scenes!
This movie was based upon a teleplay written by Reginald Rose for Westinghouse Studio One in 1954. Henry Fonda saw it and the two got together to collaborate on this production. The first decision the two of them made was to hire Sidney Lumet to direct the movie, even though this would be his first film. Sidney had a great reputation as a theater and TV director because he worked well with actors and brought projects in on time and on budget. They made the film for under $350,000, even though it contained one of the greatest ensemble casts ever assembled. It was nominated for four Oscars, best picture, best director, best screenplay and cinematography. The film is studied to this day for Sidney's creative use of lighting and camera angles. Rose also adapted this into a stage play, which believe it or not may be even better as the language is more authentic, for it was not hobbled by the Hays Code which governed film back then.. you can watch the teleplay on TH-cam and see just how much better this film is. In my opinion, it is work of art. only two actors were holdovers from the original Tele play,, Joseph Sweeney and George Voskovec, Jurors #9 and 11.
To see Henry Fonda (the architect) in a different light and a really good western try the movie "Once upon a time in the west". Great cast in this movie all top actors of the time. Very good reaction. Thanks.
This movie changed my life. The Jurer 8th is true hero! He inspired me a lot about my personality. The worst type of person for me is the Jurer 7th who seeks the ball game.
a year before this film henry fonda starred in his ONLY hitchcock movie "the wrong man" (1956). it tackles the same theme but from a different perspective. it, too, is a great film. sidney lumet directed a number of classic films including - "fail safe" (1964), "dog day afternoon" (1975), "network" (1976) and "the verdict" (1982). thanks for the video.
Great Reaction to this Classic...... (My Standard Post So some might have already been mentioned)..... I saw this Presented Muliple Times as a play in High School (Early 1980's)....... Shout out to the Legends in this Movie...... Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Jack Klugman, Martin Balsam, E.G. Marshall, Jack Warden, Ed Begley Director Lumet wrote in an article: "I shot the first third of the movie above eye level, shot the second third at eye level, and the last third from below eye level. In that way, toward the end, the ceiling began to appear. Not only were the walls closing in, the ceiling was as well. The sense of increasing claustrophobia did a lot to raise the tension of the last part of the movie." The kid not remembering the films is a believable statement. Movie houses weren't multi-screen when this movie was made. A cinema showed one or two movies so in the evening you could buy a double feature ticket without ever asking the name of the films. An angry kid wanting to get out of the summer heat buys a double feature ticket and spends the time stewing in anger paying no attention to the films is quite believable. The hand towel machine in the restroom doesn't reuse the same cloth. As you pull it down off the top reel, it wraps around another reel in the bottom. Eventually you pull all the towel off the top reel. At that point, all the used towel is wrapped on the bottom reel and can be removed to be laundered. These still exist today ion some places and there's usually a service company that supplies clean rolls and washes the dirty ones. The "Them" they are refering to in the original script were "Puerto Ricans" who had Immigrated...... Another Classic Movie that (mostly) takes place in one room, is "Arsenic and Old Lace"(1944), It had a long run on Broadway, and the movie was shot using most of the actors from the Broadway Production.....
Fun fact: To increase the sense of pressure and tension for the actors, between takes the walls of the room were moved inward a small amount. The room got smaller and smaller. The walls were closing in, literally. And even if you (or they) didn't notice, it had the desired effect on them And on me.
Whenever I watch a reaction to this film I always suggest "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962) based on Harper Lee's novel. Also has a great court case at the center. Nominated for three academy awards and Gregory Peck won best actor.
Great classic movie! The cast was awesome! This movie is totally engrossing! You can feel the tension in the room! Luv your reaction Emma!❤️💛 please watch "The Fabulous Baker Boys " you'll luv it!
Courtroom dramas are my preferred movie genre and 12 Angry Men is among my favorite. Such great performances without the use of action sequences or special effects. And as always, I continue to enjoy your reactions and those occasional scene re-enactments.
@@Emma_Reactions If you have not seen it, would you consider reacting to the musical comedy "A Hard Day's Night" from 1964, another black-and-white movie? I enjoy watching your spontaneous reactions, and watching you smile.
Nice reaction - for another classic courtroom drama, see Anatomy of a Murder, which also focuses on the nuts and bolts procedure in a way that asks what makes American society tick - 12 Angry Men is a good example of the gritty naturalism of that time, and the mainstreaming of Stanislavski in American culture - also see On the Waterfront - 12 Angry Men director was an Actors' Studio alumnus, famous for intricate dramas w spectacular acting, and was known initially for powerful adaps of stage classics, including this, Iceman Cometh, Fugitive Kind, Long Day's Journey into Night - later he became an iconic NYC director, focusing on crime dramas and police procedurals like Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico, Prince of the City, Night Falls in Manhattan - his most famous courtroom drama from this period is The Verdict - in 12 Angry Men, Lumet cleverly blends different acting styles, using the streamlined approach of traditional Hollywood star Henry Fonda to embody more abstract principles of this ideal Everyman, while using detail-oriented Stanislavski veterans like Lee J Cobb, EG Marshall, and Jack Warden to zero in on various character foibles and sociological qualities that feed into their biases I see you often express particular interest in the acting - Lee J Cobb in particular is an important cultural touchstone in American acting - he was a member of the original Group Theatre of the 30s, that first established a radical American acting style and cultural ethos modeled on Stanislavski, taught directly by members of the Moscow Art Theatre - fellow Group veterans like Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, Elia Kazan, and John Garfield would take this background and change the cultural landscape of America as prominent directors and acting teachers, while Cobb and Garfield showcased the acting - Strasberg's famous Actors' Studio grew directly out of the work of the Group Theatre Cobb is most renowned as the actor who originated the role of Willy Loman onstage in Death of a Salesman, a central figure in 20th century American culture, where Arthur Miller tried to recreate the tragic scale of a King Lear in a middle class context - films like Glengarry Glen Ross and Fences owe a lot to this iconic character - in this case, Cobb's character here closely mirrors Loman's defiant resentment and buried guilt towards his estranged son
I probably watch this movie a good 40 or 50 times it never fails 2 entertain me. Directing, screenplay cinematography, acting. What else can you ask for?
Great movie! Great reaction! IMO possibly the greatest screenplay ever written. If you're looking to react to another great classic you should watch "Sunset Boulevard" (1950).
I remember watching this in the late 70s when I was a kid. A sense of relief came over me when the fan finally came on. Never again has this happened with any other film.
A masterful movie. Another from this time period is a film called I Want To Live with Susan Hayward. Not watched by many reactors but well worth the time.
12 Angry Men is a masterpiece, and should be watched by everyone at least once in their life. It really depicts human nature well, and teaches you to hold your ground, be patient, and don't let your emotions get the better of you when making decisions. If I may make a suggestion, Ten Little Indians (1965) While not in the same vein as 12 Angry Men, it is a Whodunit movie similar to Clue (which I also recommend.) And I think you will enjoy it immensely.
This movie is one of the so called "perfect films" a perfect Film does not mean without mistakes or problems, it means when lightning struck and all came together perfectly.... actors, script, director, plot and theme. Some other perfect films are Metropolis 1929, The Godfather 1972, Das Boot 1981, Ghostbusters 1984.... Also fun fact, that showes how brilliant that actors were. Because of the size of the room, the camera couldnt be moved around the table, so the director shot side by side, all parts of the left side, top and bottom and ending on the right side Meaning between these arguments days or weeks past before shoting the conter arument. Thats continuity and skill.
And there you have it. You don't need special effects for a movie to be great, nor fancy sets nor huge budgets. You need a tight script with a clear idea of the story line, a director with imagination and talented actors who can bring their characters to life. Brilliant film. Good reaction, Ms Emma.
I love #4. “Now sit down and don't open your mouth again”. Brilliant. He is never emotional, never makes it personal, and switches the moment all the facts prove to be in doubt. And even in this moment he keeps absolutely calm... and it's chilling.
What gets lost, because he plays the villain, is Ed Begley's performance. He plays that slow burn . You know off the bat you may not like the character. As he talks more and more you just can't take him and then he goes off and the whole room turns on him. The cast is brilliant but his performance gets lost.
@@manueldeabreu1980 Oh, yes, he is great. And I've heard he was actually the sweetest guy in reality.
I have a theory that actors that play great villains usually turn out to be good people.
@@migmit After expertly playing one of the sleaziest villains of all time in "The Apartment", Fred MacMurray was so disgusted he vowed to never play a villain again. He went on to be famous for only playing nice guy/Dad roles. My Three Sons/Disney movies, etc.
I thought it was Juror #8 who said that. I do like #4, though. He stuck to the facts, and never showed any emotion. He was the most logical one in the room.
@@lafelong Henry Fonda was persuaded to play in “Once Upon a Time in the West” by a perspective to play a villain.
Oooooh I'm so glad you liked this. This movie's one of my absolute favorites... and I've recently fallen down a rabbithole of watching people's reactions to it.
Here's my favorite thing about it: I find it so profoundly moving not just that Juror 8 manages to save the young boy's life. But that he does so by awakening that sense of shared responsibility in every single man in that room. Living together in a society is hard. We're all alone, all burdened by something different, all tired and scared and angry and bored... and yet still piled together, bumping into each other. We fight. We argue. We don't like each other. We hold different opinions and beliefs. We'd all rather be somewhere, anywhere, else than mashed all together.
But J8 leans in. He puts aside his own feelings and carries on the slow, boring, patient work. And the thing that absolutely kills me is that his decency is contagious. He doesn't just change their minds. He creates the condition for them to change their own minds.
I think this is one of the very best depictions of the high ideals of living together in a liberal democracy. It gives me hope.
Update: I got a jury summons in the mail yesterday. I'll be sure to wear a white suit :)
@zinnober, isn’t that ironic? Hope it’s not a capital crime.
@@bonya4585 I work in advertising, too. Maybe I should stand around, cracking bad jokes, and being an annoying dweeb. :)
This is one of those great movies. I want to bring up an important point.
This movie is from a time when the real man, a mature man, is often portrayed as wise, thinking, considerate, courteous, and respectful. In being this way, he gains respect without using force, threats, or bravado, only his thoughtful deliberate words. In this movie, you clearly see that. The loud, bullying, and vulgar men are seen as childish and immature, the worst kind of man. How often do we see grown men today acting like overgrown children? We can see how these adult mature men gain respect and how the childish men lose it. Despite being made in 1957, it still has so much relevance today. Even in the last scene when Henry Fonda helps the last holdout with his jacket, he is mature and respectful. This was common in movies and TV shows of the 40s, 50s, and 60's as examples of how to behave and gain respect, and began to change in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Today, we see childish man-boys in movies and on TV most often.
Yes, the superficiality is awful. Even the 1997 remake (with some extraordinary actors) suffered from the same problem--quick cuts and the characters being much more stereotypical weakened the impact. Audiences have become addicted to quick, flashy drama (and CGI) How many times do we see reactions that bitch about long takes and "slow pacing"?
Exactly, compare the stoicism of Kirk in The Wrath of Kahn vs. Star Trek Into Darkness. Men and women are portrayed like emotional lunatics in so much of modern media.
I agree 💯
Henry Fonda’s Juror 8 is as close to perfection as the ideal man in society.
@@stormhawk3319 He's a good man, flawed, but good. His willingness to "sell out" if nobody changed their vote, for example, isn't ideal. I'm a nitpicker, sorry.
Most of this cast were giants of the stage and screen from the 1920’s-80’s.
I had the pleasure of dong the play this movie is based on. I was Juror #11, the naturalized American serving his first time on a jury, something unknown in his native land . The text and character description is deliberately vague about where he is from exactly.. With very little editing, the original dialog is mostly preserved. The reason the play was called "12 Angry Men" is because each of the jurors has, at some point in the performance, at least one angry or impassioned speech. When the play was written, only men served on a jury. Thankfully, this is no longer the case.
it is beautiful to see people of other lands see a beauty in Justice, democracy that some Americans have forgotten.
In the top 5 on my list.
12 great actors in one room just acting out a great script to perfection.
I always well up at the end when Lee J. Cobb breaks down.
Great reaction, Emma.
Exactly! Top 5 best ever
The slicked-back-hair meek man was the original voice of Piglet from Winnie the Pooh. Absolute icon, as were so many of those in this film.
During filming they Shrunk the Room by 16% to help with the claustrophobic atmosphere
You really deserve to have far more than 8,000 subscribers...love your reaction to this classic movie.
Thank you my friend))😍🤩🌼🌼🌼🌼
A great primer on the American legal system, with Lee J. Cobb a traditionalist focusing on guilt or innocence, and Henry Fonda following the Court’s instructions, ignoring guilt or innocence, and focusing instead on reasonable doubt. A great post-WW II movie with the common man now the great man.
The man at the end of the movie who finally voted not guilty is Lee J. Cobb, who also played the police officer in the first Exorcist movie from 1973.
Loved your reaction, Emma. You have a tender heart and are very emotive, something which I appreciate. Glad you enjoyed this classic film that so well describes the human condition.
I love it! 😍
How many people watched this movie throughout the decades and became better jurors when it was their turn?
Good job, Emma 😊
One of the Best movies ever made,,,To Kill a Mockingbird and The Grapes of Wrath follow in it's place,,,,heyEmma😘🥰🤗
I love Emma’s reactions. She’s such a sweet person. It also helps that she’s as smart as she is. She enjoys film and yet she’s also engaged in the story. Lovely lass, that Emma.
😊 thank you 🤩
I've watched a lot of reactions to this film. Emma, you are the only one to appreciate the great performance of Lee J. Cobb (the last man standing). Hooray to you!
Lee J Cobb, the final holdout, never fails. They are all wonderful actors. There is a TV version of "Death of a Salesman" from the 60s you can probably find on TH-cam where he gives an unforgettable performance.
They call this part of the trial process deliberation because you're supposed to be "deliberate in thought." I love this movie!!!! There is a 1990s remake and a 1954 tv mini series.
This was originally done as a made-for-tv teleplay. The actors who played the old man and the immigrant watchmaker reprised their roles from the tv version in this movie.
This is more than a movie about a legal case, it's about thinking and open mindedness. The ability to speak your true thoughts without the support of the others takes real integrity and strong principles. We are all in that little room, every day, and we all have our biases. But our clear-headed thinking and open mindedness can cut through the distortions and lies if only we have the integrity to do so.
And... What the most overlook, a great statement against the death penalty...
@@melchiorvonsternberg844 Quite true!
Very good reaction to one of the top classic American films. Thank you for being willing to watch and react to these great classics!
Our pleasure!
I think this is one of the top 5 best movies ever made.
"Suppose you talk us out of this; and the boy did kill his father."
And they never answered the question
They don't have to.
The risk of punishing an innocent person is higher than letting a guilty one go.
That's why reasonable doubt is built into the system.
And it is up to the viewer to fill in the blanks.
Too many stories spell everything out and even repeat it to drive some point home.
i love when you delve in the classics of movie history emma
The rotunda shown in the first scene and the stairs shown in the last scene were filmed at the New York State Supreme Court Building, located at 60 Centre Street in NYC. If you stand in the middle of the rotunda and speak, there’s a tremendous echo; however, people standing only a few feet away won’t hear a thing. It’s cool. I've been inside many times not as a defendant but while filming.
Too many people discount old black and white movies simply because that is what they are. But I believe it is indisputable that some of the best movies in the history of the genre were created in those early days, before we got so hung up on CGI and graphic depictions of violence and sex. This is not to say that good movies aren’t made now, there are always a few. I just wish people would watch and give a chance to more of the old classics. So thank you for helping with this!
There were a lot of horrible old black and white movies made too. The fact that a movie from 70 years ago is still being watched and is relevent today pretty much means it's a great movie. Eighty years from now maybe there'll still be reactors to movies and people will complain that the old 2D stuff doesn't get the respect it deserves... and they'll be right and a few of today's movies will maybe join the ranks of the Casablanca, Citizen Kane, 12 Angry Men, and others that truly have stood the test of time.
It's amazing how much worse our public discourse has become. A racist rant 29:07 which made people in 1957 turn their backs is not as bad as public campaign speeches today by a former President.
My 5th grade elementary school played about 5 important educational films in class to us kids . The ones I remember are: 12 ANGRY MEN, TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD, and FAIL SAFE. All 3 were powerful experiences. Especially FAIL SAFE! About stopping a nuclear war with Russia! React to FAIL SAFE if you can...
I was in 5th grade in 1973
This film is amazing on so many levels. As the jury files into the jury room, a single camera shot starts, lasting more than seven minutes. It follows the actors as they move around. It is remarkable filmmaking for its day.
Its a great movie based on a great stage play, and the cast here is outstanding and so impassioned. Glad you enjoyed it and I really enjoy your reactions and your intuition for anticipating what is going to happen next.
This amazing film was from the long hot summer I was born in--1957. It's so brilliant with a stellar cast, incredible direction and cinematography with the most carefully crafted screenplay ever. It's reassuring that it is still wonderful 67 years later. Henry Fonda was the biggest Hollywood star in the cast, but, for example Lee. J. Cobb (the furious Juror#3) was a highly regarded actor. He played the old detective in "the Exorcist". (And, hey, the Yankees still play Cleveland...)
2:05 -- RE: The Cast; IMO the greatest thing about this film is the casting, although I wouldn't want that statement to take anything away from the drama of the plot. Suffice it to say there's several really well known actors in here alongside several who are better known as being top-notch supporting cast. Special mention must go to 2 individuals: Lee J. Cobb, who plays the last hold-out, and E.G. Marshall who is the second to last.
Thank you, Emma, for your wonderful reaction to this incredible movie. I think you opened up a little window in my mind about what a fantastic short lesson this is about breaking down prejudice and apathy using reason and empathy.
Great reaction Emma! This is one of the best ensemble casts I've seen. All great actors.
Excellent choice and reaction, as usual. You’ve been busy lately. I’m glad.
The 12 jury members were played by actors who were or became very well-known and respected for their top-tier acting skills. This is a prime example of a classic movie doing everything right. A masterpiece.
I notice them now when I go back and watch old Twilight Zone episodes.
Another court room drama, "Anatomy of a Murder".
Those are some real heavyweight actors
All of these men are top notch actors the movie is on the 10 of all movies made
The Paul Newman courtroom drama The Verdict is a great follow-up movie. Fantastic acting as well.
another great black and white courtroom movie is inherit the wind. you should consider it if you enjoyed this one
Such a powerhouse cast. Henry Fonda (#8) & Martin Balsam (#1) would win Oscars later on in their careers. Lee J. Cobb (#3), Jack Warden (#7) & Ed Begley Sr (#10) all received Oscar nominations in their careers, while E.G. Marshall (#4) and Jack Klugman (#5) both won multiple Emmy awards.
Henry Fonda was a big star at the time and most of the other actors were well known in that time. Fonda was Jane Fonda's father (actress) and did many Westerns, some with Jimmie Stewart.
It really is a masterwork, isn't it? The acting, the cinematography in a confined space,the script and dialogue plus the distinct personalities: Juror 8 is an architect so he wants to understand how things are constructed; the watchmaker craftsman who gets into a heated argument with a guy who keeps worrying about the time. Very subtle and brilliant. If you haven't seen them there are some other great films that take place in a single setting. Alfred Hitchcock did 3: LIFEBOAT (1944), ROPE (1948) and REAR WINDOW (1954). Also the director of this film Sidney Lumet tdid an excellent courtroom drama from 1982 THE VERDICT which is outstanding. Wonderful reaction. Cheers!
The juror eager to get to the ballgame said Yanks and Cleveland were playing. Coincidentally, they are currently playing for a pennant today
I thought this has been one of your better reactions, Emma. Oustanding outro! Thank you!
Wow, thank you!🤩
The dialogue and acting are so good. This is my favorite version!
This is what I call a talkie. No action, all dialog, facial and body language. And all twelve actors are totally convincing of their particular personalities. It is one of my favorite films ever. Do yourself a favor and watch "A Face in the Crowd", also a brilliant talkie.
This is a classic film, Emma, I loved your reaction to it.
HI EMMA LOVED YOUR REACTION, I LOVE THIS FILM, THEY DON'T MAKE FILMS LIKE THIS. ANYMORE CLASSIC!!!😍
What a collection of top tier American actors of that time, heck... of Any time ! A fabulous job by each of them !!
An amazing film for the cast/acting, the direction, the dialogue and the story. These were some of the greatest actors of the time, and they were all magnificent in this and portrayed their characters perfectly. I love this movie and I am very glad you have seen it.
Above all this movie celebrates the common man. So refreshing in a movie milieu dominated by "super" people.
Really great film. It was a play before it was a movie. We read the play script in school.
your LEE J COBB IMPERSONATION (the last angry man) was ADORABLE! ☺ thank you for your reaction and especially your afterthoughts 👍
Just as good the 100th time as the first... Also the 1997 tv movie is shockingly good.. with George C Scott in the pissed old man role...
I thought they did a great job. Great cast, also. Well, Tony Danza..lol
The movie was set in New York. Women were allowed to serve on juries in that state starting in 1927. It just served the purposes of the story for all the jurors to be men. It's interesting to think how it would have been different if there were at least one woman on the jury.
Did you notice that none of the characters' names were given until the very end, when jurors 8 and 9 introduced themselves to each other on the courthouse steps?
Juror 10 (the bigot) didn't speak a word after juror 4 (the cool-headed guy) told him not to open his mouth again. Even when casting his final vote, he did it by shaking his head.
Director Sidney Lumet began the movie using camera angles above the jurors' heads, and slowly moved it downwards. He also used more close-ups as the movie went on. The result was an increasing feeling of being in a small space.
One thing I like about this movie is how the different characters bring their own experience and perspectives into the jury room with them. The old man understood why another old man would testify the way he did. The guy who lived in a slum knew about how switchblades were used in actual fights. The smallest juror who brought up the question of the kid stabbing downward while being so much shorter than his father.
"12 Angry Men" was Sidney Lumet's first theater film (he had already directed things for television). Some of his other movies include "The Pawnbroker," "Fail Safe," "Serpico, ", "Murder on the Orient Express," "Dog Day Afternoon," "Network," "The Wiz," "The Verdict" and "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead." "Dog Day Afternoon" is a favorite of mine that was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, and it won for Best Original Screenplay.
Lumet also directed "Prince Of The City" (the late Treat Williams should have been Oscar-nominated), "The Hill", "The Anderson Tapes", "Night Falls In Manhattan", "Guilty As Sin", "Q&A", "Family Business" and "Find Me Guilty".
Wonderful reaction! Congratulations! 👍👍👏👏🎉🎉❤️
Thank you so much 😁
Thank you for showing this classic movie. I enjoy your reactions to movies. 😀😀
My pleasure!!
@@Emma_Reactions Your Casablanca review is next.
So glad that you decided to watch this timeless classic. I was surprised though that you didn't recognize the last hold-out juror, played by Lee J. Cobb, who played the police detective in "The Exorcist", a film you watched 1 week earlier. He had range.
This movie was made in an era where the story, the script, and great actors made great movies and not special effects or CGI.
Did you recognize the lone holdout ,who had a issue with his own son? He was the detective and movie fan from 1973s The Exorcist! Such a powerful and angry performance! All the actors did an excellent job.
Now you need to watch To Kill a Mockingbird. It's another classic in a similar style.
Classic!!!!!
Another chamber play-like film, like 12 Angry Men, is "Flight of the Phoenix". This time with the lead actor's best friend, Jimmy Stewart. Again, no real women in the proceedings and a handful of men (including four Oscar winners) fighting for their survival and a crazy idea that could bring salvation... You'll love it...!
Great reaction to one of the greatest movies ever, with and incredible cast
31:26 I love the shifting focus!
Sidney Lumet a very under appreciated director who made some great movies: "Fail Safe",
"Serpico", "Prince of the City" and "The Verdict".
Emma - any of these movies would be excellent choices to react to.
Great reaction Emma! I'm so glad you enjoyed the movie. Like everyone has said all these actors were Great actors top of their game in this movie. I think you'd like Jimmy Stewart in 'Rear Window'. If you are up for some fun try Gene Kelly in the musical 'Singing in the rain' great dance and singing scenes!
This movie was based upon a teleplay written by Reginald Rose for Westinghouse Studio One in 1954. Henry Fonda saw it and the two got together to collaborate on this production. The first decision the two of them made was to hire Sidney Lumet to direct the movie, even though this would be his first film. Sidney had a great reputation as a theater and TV director because he worked well with actors and brought projects in on time and on budget. They made the film for under $350,000, even though it contained one of the greatest ensemble casts ever assembled. It was nominated for four Oscars, best picture, best director, best screenplay and cinematography. The film is studied to this day for Sidney's creative use of lighting and camera angles. Rose also adapted this into a stage play, which believe it or not may be even better as the language is more authentic, for it was not hobbled by the Hays Code which governed film back then.. you can watch the teleplay on TH-cam and see just how much better this film is. In my opinion, it is work of art. only two actors were holdovers from the original Tele play,, Joseph Sweeney and George Voskovec, Jurors #9 and 11.
I wrote a psychology paper on this movie in college. A great movie, great acting, filming... I would say it is in my top 10 all time.
To see Henry Fonda (the architect) in a different light and a really good western try the movie "Once upon a time in the west". Great cast in this movie all top actors of the time. Very good reaction. Thanks.
This movie changed my life. The Jurer 8th is true hero! He inspired me a lot about my personality. The worst type of person for me is the Jurer 7th who seeks the ball game.
Lee J Cobb played Lieutenant Kinderman in The Exorcist(1973 ).....another fantastic movie!
22:05 Those are almost 2-second intervals you are counting off, that's why you got half.
You need to double your final count or count in double-time.
a year before this film henry fonda starred in his ONLY hitchcock movie "the wrong man" (1956). it tackles the same theme but from a different perspective. it, too, is a great film.
sidney lumet directed a number of classic films including - "fail safe" (1964), "dog day afternoon" (1975), "network" (1976) and "the verdict" (1982). thanks for the video.
Great Reaction to this Classic...... (My Standard Post So some might have already been mentioned).....
I saw this Presented Muliple Times as a play in High School (Early 1980's).......
Shout out to the Legends in this Movie...... Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Jack Klugman, Martin Balsam, E.G. Marshall, Jack Warden, Ed Begley
Director Lumet wrote in an article: "I shot the first third of the movie above eye level, shot the second third at eye level, and the last third from below eye level. In that way, toward the end, the ceiling began to appear. Not only were the walls closing in, the ceiling was as well. The sense of increasing claustrophobia did a lot to raise the tension of the last part of the movie."
The kid not remembering the films is a believable statement. Movie houses weren't multi-screen when this movie was made. A cinema showed one or two movies so in the evening you could buy a double feature ticket without ever asking the name of the films. An angry kid wanting to get out of the summer heat buys a double feature ticket and spends the time stewing in anger paying no attention to the films is quite believable.
The hand towel machine in the restroom doesn't reuse the same cloth. As you pull it down off the top reel, it wraps around another reel in the bottom. Eventually you pull all the towel off the top reel. At that point, all the used towel is wrapped on the bottom reel and can be removed to be laundered. These still exist today ion some places and there's usually a service company that supplies clean rolls and washes the dirty ones.
The "Them" they are refering to in the original script were "Puerto Ricans" who had Immigrated......
Another Classic Movie that (mostly) takes place in one room, is "Arsenic and Old Lace"(1944), It had a long run on Broadway, and the movie was shot using most of the actors from the Broadway Production.....
Fun fact: To increase the sense of pressure and tension for the actors, between takes the walls of the room were moved inward a small amount. The room got smaller and smaller. The walls were closing in, literally. And even if you (or they) didn't notice, it had the desired effect on them And on me.
Whenever I watch a reaction to this film I always suggest "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962) based on Harper Lee's novel. Also has a great court case at the center. Nominated for three academy awards and Gregory Peck won best actor.
Great classic movie! The cast was awesome! This movie is totally engrossing! You can feel the tension in the room! Luv your reaction Emma!❤️💛 please watch "The Fabulous Baker Boys " you'll luv it!
The director changed the level of the camera during the movie. Started above, then face to face, then slightly below.
I`m so glad you enjoyed it Emma what a classic movie
Oh yeah)))👍
Nice reaction!
There were moments when I thought we would see 1 Angry Emma.
great reaction emma lovve it old but great emma
Oh!!! Wow 😮
Courtroom dramas are my preferred movie genre and 12 Angry Men is among my favorite. Such great performances without the use of action sequences or special effects. And as always, I continue to enjoy your reactions and those occasional scene re-enactments.
Thank you Emma for a great reaction to another classic film!
No problem 😊
@@Emma_Reactions If you have not seen it, would you consider reacting to the musical comedy "A Hard Day's Night" from 1964, another black-and-white movie? I enjoy watching your spontaneous reactions, and watching you smile.
Already one of your best reactions. Saw this one on tv, when I was a kid. Even then, it made an impression on me.
Nice reaction - for another classic courtroom drama, see Anatomy of a Murder, which also focuses on the nuts and bolts procedure in a way that asks what makes American society tick - 12 Angry Men is a good example of the gritty naturalism of that time, and the mainstreaming of Stanislavski in American culture - also see On the Waterfront
- 12 Angry Men director was an Actors' Studio alumnus, famous for intricate dramas w spectacular acting, and was known initially for powerful adaps of stage classics, including this, Iceman Cometh, Fugitive Kind, Long Day's Journey into Night - later he became an iconic NYC director, focusing on crime dramas and police procedurals like Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico, Prince of the City, Night Falls in Manhattan - his most famous courtroom drama from this period is The Verdict
- in 12 Angry Men, Lumet cleverly blends different acting styles, using the streamlined approach of traditional Hollywood star Henry Fonda to embody more abstract principles of this ideal Everyman, while using detail-oriented Stanislavski veterans like Lee J Cobb, EG Marshall, and Jack Warden to zero in on various character foibles and sociological qualities that feed into their biases
I see you often express particular interest in the acting - Lee J Cobb in particular is an important cultural touchstone in American acting - he was a member of the original Group Theatre of the 30s, that first established a radical American acting style and cultural ethos modeled on Stanislavski, taught directly by members of the Moscow Art Theatre
- fellow Group veterans like Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, Elia Kazan, and John Garfield would take this background and change the cultural landscape of America as prominent directors and acting teachers, while Cobb and Garfield showcased the acting - Strasberg's famous Actors' Studio grew directly out of the work of the Group Theatre
Cobb is most renowned as the actor who originated the role of Willy Loman onstage in Death of a Salesman, a central figure in 20th century American culture, where Arthur Miller tried to recreate the tragic scale of a King Lear in a middle class context - films like Glengarry Glen Ross and Fences owe a lot to this iconic character - in this case, Cobb's character here closely mirrors Loman's defiant resentment and buried guilt towards his estranged son
One of the absolutely best movies ever. Juror #1 is the private investigator Arbogast in Psycho.
My wife & I saw the stage play of this years ago. It's still amazing!
I probably watch this movie a good 40 or 50 times it never fails 2 entertain me. Directing, screenplay cinematography, acting. What else can you ask for?
Great movie! Great reaction! IMO possibly the greatest screenplay ever written. If you're looking to react to another great classic you should watch "Sunset Boulevard" (1950).
I remember watching this in the late 70s when I was a kid. A sense of relief came over me when the fan finally came on. Never again has this happened with any other film.
Needless to say, you're a....Fan?
You should watch the Russian version of this film, it is entitled '12'. In it, the accused is a young Chechen teenager.
So brillianty acted, such a keen insight into the minds of men. The themes in this movie are still relevant today.😊
A masterful movie. Another from this time period is a film called I Want To Live with Susan Hayward. Not watched by many reactors but well worth the time.
12 Angry Men is a masterpiece, and should be watched by everyone at least once in their life. It really depicts human nature well, and teaches you to hold your ground, be patient, and don't let your emotions get the better of you when making decisions. If I may make a suggestion, Ten Little Indians (1965) While not in the same vein as 12 Angry Men, it is a Whodunit movie similar to Clue (which I also recommend.) And I think you will enjoy it immensely.
This movie is one of the so called "perfect films" a perfect Film does not mean without mistakes or problems, it means when lightning struck and all came together perfectly.... actors, script, director, plot and theme. Some other perfect films are Metropolis 1929, The Godfather 1972, Das Boot 1981, Ghostbusters 1984.... Also fun fact, that showes how brilliant that actors were. Because of the size of the room, the camera couldnt be moved around the table, so the director shot side by side, all parts of the left side, top and bottom and ending on the right side Meaning between these arguments days or weeks past before shoting the conter arument. Thats continuity and skill.
So excited for this!
GREAT old movie, an all-time classic 👍😁