12 Angry Men was indeed a great film: both thought provoking and entertaining, it was not merely the mindless, explosion-packed thriller so common in Hollywood today.

That the whole movie took place virtually in a single room, without a change in setting, did not detract from the film, but further let me appreciate the skill of the acting and story, since the whole of the movie rested on that. The story arc did not focus inconsequential matters, but on the fairness and morality of the jury system, a fascinating topic to say the least.

As a member of the University Hearing and Review Boards here at Cornell, it was rather interesting to examine a movie such as this that deals almost directly with my duties on the Board. We are tasked with deliberating each case with an objective and fair eye, taking into account not just the whole picture but all the details and circumstances when reaching a decision. This movie reflected that very well: the arc of change from merely following the collective through groupthink to critically examining the evidence and arguments presented provided for some excellent materials to digest, and even influence my own rationale when reviewing cases.

This is an excellent movie. I would recommend it.