12

Great – unusually raw, rusty and hopeless for a Michalkov film. Of course, it’s typically long, monotonous, and the director has once again incarnated himself into the character of a mystical messenger of justice and order. So what? I’m fine with it. Fantastically composed editing, excellent soundtrack, absolutely experienced acting and a few really impressive symbols that elevate the story to the level of a parable in which justice does not mean law and in which order completely cleared its gates and left society in the midst of chaos, paranoia, and defenselessness against evil (wherever it comes from). Were it not for the aforementioned bloated monologues and obsession with every detail, 12 would not have nearly as stunning cadence, and thereby nothing at all. (2008.08.07)

These twelve angry Russian-speaking men in the basement of an unpleasant gym hit it off so well together that the result is so rarely seen perfection. This is an outstanding remake that makes sense and isn’t at all superfluous or just to fill some movie space. Because Michalkov managed successfully to graft the concept of the original onto the Russian world with its national problems so well that it turns out even better and more natural than in the original. The acting performances are also easily on a par. But unfortunately, in the end the movie as a whole just isn’t better. The trouble is traditional for Michalkov’s movies - the length. Two and a half hours isn’t so long, but it does mean that we find several moments that are needlessly void, taking away the impact of some very powerful moments. And I didn’t really like the numerous lighter-hearted moments (although they do tend to work). And also that, unlike in the original, here the focus is on truth “as such". But anyway, all these little hitches pale in the shadow of scenes (especially the war scenes without soldiers or the analysis of smiling beasts) that will remain in my memory for a long time. (2022.02.10)

I still have not seen 12 Angry Men, so I have no comparison to make, but Michalkov's modern version is very high quality and it was one of the strongest experiences in the past year. Excellent acting on a level that is rarely seen, well-written characters that depict the cross-section of contemporary Russian society and speak volumes about the atmosphere of modern Russia, and an intense dramatic conflict that keeps the viewer uncertain until the very end and forces them to think. Excellent camera work and clever direction, which alternates static shots from the gym with flashbacks from war-torn Chechnya. By the way, the action scenes make up only a very small part of the film, but they are among the best that have been produced in the field of war films in recent years. The script cleverly and gradually reveals the motivations and characteristics of the individual jury members, as well as the criminal act itself. In two or three cases, the director went too far in his attempt to make the plot more attractive, for example, the scene with a knife cutting a cigarette is exaggerated, but Michalkov has to be credited with true mastery and his film, despite some minor flaws, is among the best that European cinema can currently produce. Overall impression: 90%. (2009.06.25)