Sushiksha

Truth is not always True

⁣12 angry men is a court room drama set in 1950's. A boy gets accused of killing his father and the judge is pretty much convinced about it and the 12 member jury is allowed to finalize their decision. I am not at all getting into story as it may unknowingly affect your watching experience. 96 minute long journey inside a room is captured brilliantly. I have always been a fan of thrillers that have some unique elements like in this, the story happens inside a room. By that the director is inviting us to join with them to be an active listener. 20 minutes into the film you will actually feel as if you are inside the room witnessing the discussion. ⁣

⁣The 12 characters are well written and are so different from each other in their dialogue delivery, costume, postures and what not. The story never gets into the trap of one man show in terms of performance . The situation gets hot and it is metaphorically shown through the temperature rise in the room due to lack of Fans. Legal arguments heating up to personal conflicts is portrayed so organically that even you start picking sides. ⁣

⁣For me the film was never about victory of truth or moral. For me it shows the power of convincing skills that can make difference in any situation possible. In an analysis i read that the lighting also symbolize the seriousness of the situation as the discussion starts at day and ends by night. ⁣

⁣The film ends by reminding us the true meaning of "Democracy" that each opinion matters even though the odds are against and it is not necessary that the majority is always right. Even though the film was made 60-70 years ago, the message is still relevant and strong. Court room dramas try to convince us that "Justice will be served".⁣