I was lucky enough to happen upon this movie one night on television. I was immediately captivated by it and was never tempted to click off to another channel. It is as good as the 1957 American original, and in some ways particular to Russia, better. The acting is first rate, at times deliberate and at other times quite emotional. As with its predecessor the jurors bring their own lives into the jury room, giving a western viewer an open look at Russia and Russians. Paralleling the American film, which featured a young Hispanic as the accused, here the accused is a young Chechen.
I heartily recommend "12" to all who can locate it. I have given it nine stars out of ten. Spoken in Russian, of course, the subtitles in the version I saw were well up to the task.
I heartily recommend "12" to all who can locate it. I have given it nine stars out of ten. Spoken in Russian, of course, the subtitles in the version I saw were well up to the task.