'12' review

Sergei Makovetsky, Nikita Mikhalkov and Yuri Stayanov (Credit: Milena Botova/Sony Classics)

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A young Chechen boy is charged with murdering his adoptive father, a Russian army officer, and 11 jurors are in a hurry to convict and get on with their day. The lone "not guilty" vote (Sergei Makovetsky) isn't budging though, so the group debates the case while telling personal stories that reveal how their experiences influence their perspective—in ways, admittedly, you'd think might have disqualified them from serving on the jury.

The buzz: This is another spin on a story masterfully brought to film in Sidney Lumet's 1957 classic "12 Angry Men" (if you haven't seen it, you should) But "12"—which was nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 2008 Oscars and directed by Nikita Mikhalkov, who helmed 1994 Best Foreign Film winner, "Burnt By the Sun"—isn't a disposable remake like Hollywood's revolving door of Japanese horror retreads. Rather, "12" expands the story (to a whopping 153 minutes) to include background on the accused and even more discussion of modern prejudices, some universal and some exclusive to Russia.

The verdict: "12" makes the art of conversation and debate riveting again. Those who know the story may tune out at times, and this longer (153 minutes!) version makes you realize there's really only so many extended monologues you can hear without getting antsy. But "12," which feels less like going through the motions than returning to your favorite restaurant, has as much dramatic punch as ever. Mikhalkov does his own thing, the all-around solid performances start from scratch and the debate offers intelligent, rejuvenated conversation on the randomness of second chances and a supposedly flawless legal system entrusted to flawed people.

Did you know? One juror changes his mind after pondering the situation in the bathroom, since that's where he does his best thinking. Anyone else agree?

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