I saw this in high school, and the first thing I really remember is how many of these actors had played old men in movies I saw in the '90s or starred in sitcoms my grandmother watched when she babysat me. It was weird seeing Jack Klugman and Jack Warden younger, but still instantly recognizable.

I'm not sure if there is a better example of a movie where character work and tension are woven together so tightly. Without knowing their names, for most of the characters, we know exactly who each man is. We know how they think and the logic they used to arrive at their conclusions. Henry Fonda, as Juror 8, is skeptical without being a troll. He honestly assesses the trial and reminds the other men of their responsibility as a jury. It's no wonder Fonda was such a huge star; he has the same genuine, every man sensibilities as Tom Hanks.

Juror 3, played by Lee J. Cobb, is mesmerizing. Cobb takes a man who could have been nothing more than angry and spiteful and turns him into someone we can genuinely sympathize with. His anger is masking pain and regret.

I could talk about the measured control of Juror 1, the cold logic of Juror 4, or the genuine curiosity of Juror 9, but each man deserves his flowers for what he brought to this film.

I think, all together, there are only three locations in the film, but the lion's share of the story takes place in the jury room. Sidney Lumet does a remarkable job of making sure the film never feels stilted without allowing much real relief for the characters, save for a fan and a window.

12 Angry Men takes you on a journey asking us to confront our own prejudices and biases without talking down to anyone in the room or the audience. I could go on and on about this movie. It's a classic for a reason and more than worthy of your time and attention.