12

A jury of twelve men is tasked with deliberating the fate of a young Chechen boy accused of murdering a Russian soldier. As they delve into the case, hidden prejudices and personal histories surface, forcing them to confront their own biases and the complexities of justice in a post-Soviet Russia. The jurors struggle to reach a unanimous decision, with one juror persistently questioning the evidence and advocating for a deeper look into the boy's circumstances.

While "12" was praised for its ambitious scope and powerful performances, it received mixed reviews from critics. Some lauded Mikhalkov's direction and the film's exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas, while others found its lengthy runtime and somewhat didactic approach to be drawbacks. Audiences were divided, with many appreciating its thought-provoking nature and others finding it less engaging than Mikhalkov's earlier works.

• Praised for its strong ensemble cast and its tackling of complex moral and social issues.
• Criticized by some for its deliberate pacing and lengthy runtime, which could feel drawn-out.
• Admired for its thematic depth and its reinterpretation of a classic narrative in a contemporary Russian context.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciate the film's intellectual engagement and the way it stimulates discussion on justice and humanity. Many found the performances compelling and the underlying message profound, though some noted that the film's length required significant patience.

Selected as the Russian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 80th Academy Awards. Won the Golden St. George at the 30th Moscow International Film Festival.

The film is a remake of the 1957 American film '12 Angry Men' and the 1997 Indian film 'Ek Ajnabee'.