Poetic Film Review: 12 (2007)

In halls of justice, where freedom's voice is heard,
A tale of twelve, a jury's noble word,
A quintessential American dream, now set aflame,
In Russia's heart, where cultures clash and blame.

A Chechen youth, accused of murder's stain,
A physicist's dissent, a spark that ignites the brain,
Reasonable doubt, a beacon in the night,
A call to question, to challenge and to fight.

The jurors' pasts, a tapestry so fine and worn,
Revealing biases, like threads that are torn,
A far-right nationalist, a cab driver's pride,
A silent foreman, with secrets he cannot hide.

Mikhalkov's vision, a divergence from the past,
A cynical view of justice, where morals are aghast,
Alternative truths, a convenient scapegoat's guise,
A narrative shift, that challenges the innocent's eyes.

Critics cry foul, of authoritarianism's sway,
A symbolic stand-in, for Putin's mighty way,
The silovik's influence, a guiding hand that leads,
A verdict born of pragmatism, rather than justice's creed.

Yet, amidst the controversy, a valuable insight's gained,
Into Russia's diversity, its divisions, its pain,
A Jewish elder, an Armenian surgeon's gentle art,
Unique perspectives, that enrich the jury's heart.

Mikhalkov's adaptation, a worthy, brave endeavor,
Exploring complexities, of modern Russia's endeavor,
Exceptional performances, a poetic, flawed design,
A film that sparks, a conversation, that's truly divine.

Though it may not match, the masterful original's might,
12 is a worthy adaptation, that shines with its own light,
A testament to justice, in all its forms and guise,
A reminder that freedom, is a voice that never dies.

(Note: The review in its original form can be read here.)

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