12

Actually, I hadn't noticed this film until it came into the theaters here a couple weeks ago, but as soon as I read more about it, I felt a need to see it.

First of all, I was interested in seeing how Mikhalkov managed to depict the characters of the current Russia as promised in the description of the film. Second, having the accused boy be from Chechnya, I felt the picture had a possibility for a lot of depth in depicting of the Russia-Chechen dispute and relationship between the people and countries in general together with the mood taken from both sides of the borders. And last but not least, having watched the 1957 film "12 Angry Men" just before that, I was looking forward to see some wonderful performances from the jurors.

I must say the film fulfilled all the above and much more. Mikhalkov has indeed managed to make a film that will pin you to your seat, make you follow every word, blink, or raise of an eyebrow of the actors, pay attention to the hidden and not so hidden messages, will disgust and touch you at the same time and, indeed, will take you to the Russia of the early 21st century.

The moral question as portrayed in the original story is displayed and discussed in many levels as well, the tension gradually increasing as the film goes on and forcing you to think about what is indeed right and wrong in todays' world.

Apart from all the above, the piece contains some beautiful cinematography and the actors' performances are just beyond description.

I would definitely recommend it to everyone interested not only in a wonderful piece of artwork and Mikhalkov's mirror of Putin's Russia (and Putin's Russia it still remains even now IMHO) but is also interested in being taken to situations unimaginable for us, living our "fast food" lives and forced into giving it a longer thought then we manage to in our usual working days.

Three tips before you do so though:

- try to find some time to see it as soon as possible if you're in the CR - because since it's not your "usual blockbuster entertainment" it might disappear from the theatres soon and it's very much worth watching on the big screen (believe me, I went to see in on Saturday night and there were only 5 (!!!) of us there;
- watch the original 1957 film before you go (and it is easily available online btw. and it is great to compare the development of the characters and the plot)
- pay a special attention to the last couple of minutes of the film - you will know what I'm talking about when it comes to it. If not, you might miss an important point.