12

12 is a riveting Russian drama film released in 2007. Under the expert direction of Nikita Mikhalkov, the film breathes new life into a familiar storyline, transporting the classic American juror drama 12 Angry Men to modern-day Moscow. The star-studded cast includes the likes of Sergey Makovetskiy, Sergey Garmash, and Apti Magamaev.

The film's numerically straightforward title, 12, offers audience members their first glimpse into the striking simplicity of the narrative's setting. It all takes place predominantly in a single high school gymnasium turned jury room, which is filled with nothing more than a large group of twelve jurors deliberating on a case. The formidable dozen men are deciding the fate of a Chechen teenager accused of murdering his stepfather. With the entire fate of a young man's life hanging precariously in the balance, the jurors find themselves grappling with their own prejudices, histories, and beliefs.

Sergey Makovetskiy, a renowned Russian actor, delivers a compelling performance as juror number 3, a fascinating character whose personal trials weave an intricate palette of emotion and insight. His outstanding performance is complemented by Sergey Garmash, who portrays a vocally dominant and opinionated character, pushing and pulling the narrative tension with every articulation of his belief. Then there's Apti Magamaev, whose portrayal of the accused adds yet another layer of complexity and intrigue into the mix.

These performances are heightened by the stellar execution of the screenplay which does not shy away from taking its time for currents of the narrative to fully unfold. With a runtime of 159 minutes, 12 deviates from sensational, quick-fix drama, instead opting to marinate the audience in a thought-provoking exploration of justice, ethics, and human failings.

What's especially striking about 12 is that it surpasses the confines of a basic courtroom drama. Deliberately and confidently, it delves into broader social commentary, addressing weighty themes of racial and ethnic tensions, the remnants of Soviet-era mentality, as well as modern Russia's societal dilemmas. Mikhalkov uses the jurors' dialogue to dissect these complex, intertwined layers of Russian society, suggesting that the trial of the young man is a mirror to the trial of the nation’s conscience. The deliberation room soon uncovers itself as more than just a place to decide a murder trial, it becomes a hotbed of existential crisis for each juror as they have to confront their own biases, wrestle with their consciences, and lay bare their darkest fears.

This thought-provoking film is accompanied by an equally captivating mise-en-scene, filled with lingering cinematography that heightens the claustrophobic atmosphere of the drab gymnasium-turned-jury-room. Its visuals are an integral part of conveying the film’s psychological tension with their grim palette and austere environment reflecting the moral complexities faced by the jurors.

12 is also punctuated by occasional flashbacks, providing glimpses into the accused's past and the crime scene itself. These sequences, though limited, don't solely serve as narrative progression but also provide a poignant, humanizing background to the accused, further complicating the jurors' decision-making process.

The movie eventually crescendoes to an emotionally exhausting and climax, maintaining tension and suspense throughout. While the verdict remains unpredictable, the journey of reaching there is fraught with soul-stirring arguments, roaring silences, and thought-provoking dialogues, challenging the audience's own views on morality, justice, and truth itself.

Overall, 12 exemplifies the power of cinematic storytelling when simplicity meets depth. It's an exemplary film that shatters expectations by transforming an isolated jury room into a moving exploration of humanity's complications. For those seeking a film featuring superb acting, a meaningful storyline, and a fresh take on classic materials, 12 certainly hits the mark.