Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that 12 Angry Men is a gripping 1957 drama that makes much out of a simple situation (the ordinary deliberations of a jury) and setting (the room where they have been sequestered). Jurors smoke cigarettes throughout the movie. Biased jurors state as a "fact" that minorities drink too much alcohol. There is one "damn." A young man is accused of stabbing his father to death. Jurors nearly come to blows over disagreements about the case. One juror threatens to kill another in the heat of the moment. The fact that this jury is made up exclusively of white males should be explained to kids as a sign of the film's time period. Despite its age, this drama still has a lot to say about the principles on which the American justice system is based, as well as issues of prejudice.

Sexual Content

Not applicable

Violence

A young man is accused of stabbing his father to death. Jurors nearly come to blows over disagreements about the case. One juror threatens to kill another in the heat of the moment. It's suggested that one of the jurors most eager to sentence a boy to death for murder has physically abused his own estranged son.

Language

One "damn."

Social Behavior

People given the legal responsibility to decide a peer's fate should not jump to conclusions based on preconceived notions about race, education, economic status, or other identifying characteristics. Police and prosecutors can make mistakes. Everyone should be given the benefit of the doubt, especially when quick judgments could lead to someone's death. The fact that this jury is made up exclusively of white males should be explained to kids as a sign of the film's time period.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Jurors smoke cigarettes throughout the movie. Biased jurors state as a "fact" that minorities drink too much alcohol.