12 Angry Men 1997 - Updated Version DVDrip

Sample Included

The reckoning 1997 remake of the Sidney Lumet classic! A contemporary version of an ageless human conflict! Perhaps the most electrically charged film I have ever seen. And the pure genius of it is that it all happens in one room. Have to see it to believe it.

Especially if you forget that a previous version was ever made, and watch this film without comparison, you'll see what I mean. It literally pulsates with tension and energy! Personally, this updated remake is far more fluid than the original. A rare gem of a film!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118528/
12 Angry Men (1997) TV.
Director: William Friedkin.
Cast: Jack Lemmon, James Gandolfini, Tony Danza, Courtney B. Vance, George C.Scott, Ossie Davis, Amin Mueller-Stahl, Mykelti Williamson
Rated PG-13
Runtime: 117 min
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
100% on Rotten Tomatoes!

Codec: XVID
Frame Width: 512
Frame Height: 384
Data Rate: 766kbps
Total Bitrate: 871kbps
Frame Rate: 25fps
Audio Bit rate: 128kbps
Audio Channels: Stereo
Audio Sample rate: 48kHz










A Review by Steve Rhodes:

The great director Sidney Lumet directed the 1957 version and the star-studded cast included such luminaries as Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, E. G. Marshall, Jack Warden, and Jack Klugman. The 1997 remake produced by MGM and released on the Showtime cable network has itself a superlative cast. Directed by Academy Award winner William Friedkin (THE FRENCH CONNECTION), the cast includes Hume Cronyn, Tony Danza, Ossie Davis, James Gandolfini, Dorian Harewood, Jack Lemmon, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Edward James Olmos, William L. Petersen, George C. Scott, Courtney B. Vance and Mykelti Williamson.

The role of the reluctant juror who bravely votes not guilty when everyone else votes otherwise is played by Jack Lemmon. Henry Fonda in one of his greatest roles played that part in the 1957 film. At the heart of the story are the "facts" that are known by the others but simply questioned by Lemmon. "It's one of those open and shut things," points out George C. Scott's character. "They proved it ten different ways." But crying out as the lone voice of compassion, Lemmon pleads, "Suppose we're wrong."

The white racist from the 2 previous productions is replaced by a black racist this time. Mykelti Williamson, from FORREST GUMP and CON AIR, wanted to get the part to show how universal racism can be. Williamson even personally designed the role so that his character was a ex-member of the Nation of Islam. Although not fully explained, apparently his character was too racist for the Black Muslims. "I've lived among them all my life," declares Williamson's venomous character about the defendant and his race. "They're born liars." His hate is complete and unadulterated by reason or any semblance of empathy.

As the story unfolds, the sure and certain facts from the courtroom turn out to be anything but. And the jurors' closed minds begin to open one by one. Some, of course, resist mightily. "Don't give me those facts," complains Williamson's character. "I'm sick and tired of facts."

The Academy Award nominated screenplay by Reginald Rose is little changed from his original. Even if you've seen the 1957 version, this remake is worth viewing for the strength of the script and the fine performances. Every juror's vote change is a milestone along a hard climb. When they reach the summit, you may find yourself as emotionally drained as the jurors.

An amazingly powerful film, especially given it doesn't use much of the things most directors these days spend many, many millions on! There is very little in the way of soundtrack music, costume or set, yet it is a powerful, dynamic portrayal of character.