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This is a question Best Films Ever

We love watching films and we're always looking for interesting things to watch - so tell us the best movie you've seen and why you enjoyed it.

(, Thu 17 Jul 2008, 14:30)
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12 Angry Men
What can I say about this Sidney Lumet classic that hasn't already been said in a slightly patronisingly smug way by Barry Norman?

Lots. I usually watch this film on my birthday, or if I'm off work really sick or if it's on the telly (as long it's not at silly o'clock in the morning).

If you've not seen it, telling you that it takes place virtually exclusively in a jury room on a hot day in New York and that it's shot in b/w probably won't get you running down the video shop (or whatever you lot do these days to get a film). If I tell you that it is one of the finest pieces of ensemble acting by some of the finest film actors of all time, with a script that sizzles and direction that keeps the drama palpable for the length of the film - you might.

It stars Henry Fonda, but with some scorching support by Lee J Cobb and others. The scene at the end where Cobb breaks down is fantastic and as good as his performance in 'On the Waterfront', if not better.

I won't summarise the 'plot', as there isn't one really; but at the beginning of the film, it looks as if the accused is guilty. A vote of 12 - 0 would send the kid to the chair. Henry Fonda says they should talk about it for a while. Gradually he find reasonable doubt about some of the key witness statements and pieces of evidence, gradually he wins over the other members of the jury...

I'll not spoil the explosive ending, but it's worth waiting for. I can quote huge chunks of this film and sometimes get strange looks from people when I say things like: "...but it's POSSIBLE" or "Rotten kids, you work your LIFE OUT" or "Your horn works, now try your lights" in a simulacrum of an american accent, if they're not as familiar with the film as I am.

Anyway, do yourselves a favour and find a copy and watch it.
(, Fri 18 Jul 2008, 16:09, 3 replies)
And
it's got Quincy, and that dead bloke off of Law and Order in it. What's not to like. I saw this one afternoon when I got back for College, nearly turned it off, but it hooked me in quite quickly.
(, Fri 18 Jul 2008, 16:14, closed)
Yeah
and the little guy that's in 'The Odd Couple' too! I think he also did voices for some Disney characters.
(, Fri 18 Jul 2008, 16:21, closed)
What a fantastic shout!
Found this on the internet a while ago, started watching it and saw it was a real old one. Immediately thought "I can't be bothered to watch an old film, they're all shit". How wrong I was.

Moves at a slow pace, but it is absolutely fantastic as a film.
(, Fri 18 Jul 2008, 17:36, closed)

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