Through an amazing ensemble cast, we feel like we take in the whole scheme of the story.  This is a courtroom drama that never sees the inside of the courtroom; we never see the witnesses, but know all about them; we never see the lawyers, but know what they are presenting and how they present it; we only briefly see the defendant, but know his defense and his story.  This is all a testament to the excellent screenplay and the way it is written.  What is presented is twists and turns in the story, and in the viewers eyes.  Through the film, the viewer becomes like a thirteenth juror.  We hear the facts and arguments and may also sway in opinion as the men on screen do.

  The cast is wonderful conveying energy and emotion, hanging on to their own beliefs and values as to the matters at hand.  Each man has his own agenda and philosophies.  Each character is given a life all his own.  The editing along with the story, help allow each man to have his peace and time on the floor, never forgetting a man who may not have been involved for a while, each man has a presence even when he is not present.

   Though shot in one room, the cinematography is amazing, as angles change giving the viewer a new view of the same room, feeling as if it is a new space altogether.  Sweeping shots, close-ups, push-ins, overhead, angles all lend their own touch to the dialog and emotion of the shot.  We spend an hour and a half here, but feels like we are there much longer learning about the trial and the men in the box.  That's not to say the film felt long, because it breezes through, just that the short time together seems like so much more than a passing.  Beautiful film, but I'm not sure how it will hold up upon repeat viewings.  9.5/10