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The Verdict
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The Verdict

1982
Drama
2h 9m
A lawyer sees the chance to salvage his career and self-respect by taking a medical malpractice case to trial rather than settling. (imdb)
Directed by:
Sidney Lumet Sidney Lumet
Written by:
David Mamet David Mamet Barry Reed Jay Presson Allen
+2 more
Starring:
Charlotte Rampling Charlotte Rampling James Handy James Handy Lindsay Crouse Lindsay Crouse Jack Warden Jack Warden Paul Newman Paul Newman Julie Bovasso Julie Bovasso Wesley Addy Wesley Addy James Mason James Mason Edward Binns Edward Binns Joe Seneca Joe Seneca Milo O\ Milo O'Shea Roxanne Hart
More
Genre:
Drama
Country:
USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Verdict

1982
Drama
2h 9m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 66.37% from 1124 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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paxtonPaxton
Rated 07 Apr 2023
80
88th
There is a scene where Paul is taking polaroid pictures of the malpractice victim and they take the time to show a single photo come into focus after just being snapped. While a very obvious metaphor for Paul's own assessment of the situation finally coming into focus, the scene works beautifully and leads into his refusal of the settlement where he has a chance to note that his very soul is on the line. Anyways, I, uhm, I like that scene.
Rated 07 Apr 2023
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 27 Feb 2007
4
70th
A bleak portrait of a lawyer's struggle for redemption. Lumet uses a faded palette to create a harsh, cold environment, which gives the film a pessimistic tone. Paul Newman was never better as Frank Galvin. He fits the role like a glove, giving his character all the right notes of sadness, desperation and resignation.
Rated 27 Feb 2007
syntheseizurSyntheseizur
Rated 08 Aug 2018
68
24th
So dreary and conventional, wrapped up in a standard redemption narrative for a hard-luck lawyer, but Newman provides a strong heart to the narrative. For a structural master like Lumet, there are many issues here: the case ends abruptly, and certain plot points are introduced but never resolved. That said, the ambiguous ending is a fine touch, even though the romance itself also feels underdeveloped. The photography, striking for often staying static on a whole room, is also worth recognition.
Rated 08 Aug 2018
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 15 Apr 2007
83
93rd
Excellent courtroom drama from one of Hollywood's greatest directors. The Verdict breathes a fresh air of wisdom, authenticity and intrigue into an old formula. Like many great films, The Verdict is cursed with a slightly tacky, less-than-justified romantic subplot, but that's really not a big problem.
Rated 15 Apr 2007
mikehMikeH
Rated 04 Aug 2014
92
84th
A good story elevated to greatness by Paul Newman
Rated 04 Aug 2014
actionbergActionberg
Rated 01 Feb 2008
90
92nd
A very quiet yet powerful film about redemption and faith in humanity.
Rated 01 Feb 2008
peyrinpeyrin
Rated 10 Nov 2018
75
69th
The script is often trapped between a scathing criticism of judicial corruption and a classic underdog tale, and while Lumet does his best to adapt the direction to the conflicting tones, there's still some places where the two clash with less success.
Rated 10 Nov 2018
rufamRufam
Rated 18 Mar 2011
70
57th
"The Verdict" is a typical Lumet film: weak beginning, firework conclusion. The first half of this courtroom drama is rather slow and dull -and then, the pace suddenly picks up, the plot becomes engaging and there are some memorable court scenes, as well as crackling dialogue. The final resolution comes out of nowhere though and was a little too deus ex machina for my taste -but the very final scene is wonderfully abrupt. Strong performances all around and typically superb direction by Lumet.
Rated 18 Mar 2011
howler19howler19
Rated 13 Jun 2022
63
69th
Generic courtroom drama elevated somewhat by Newman's performance.
Rated 13 Jun 2022
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 22 Sep 2011
89
84th
Extremely solid courtroom drama, which is a given with all the talent involved. Newman is great, and James Mason plays the sleazy antagonist to perfection.
Rated 22 Sep 2011
hamidsoHamidso
Rated 22 Aug 2021
80
87th
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Rated 22 Aug 2021
joojooJooJoo
Rated 13 May 2009
4
55th
Has the production value of a tv movie and a script firmly rooted in the formula of every other courtroom drama in existence [this was Mamet?]; Newman is the only one really in form here. Bland stuff.
Rated 13 May 2009
virtuedanielvirtuedaniel
Rated 31 May 2012
70
31st
I give it an = (based on a - = (plus) scale) Really pretty good. The acting is excellent (plus) The pacing was OK = The look of the film was appropriate, and added dimension to the story (plus) The movie is worth seeing if you like the court drama kind of thing.
Rated 31 May 2012
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 22 Jan 2011
88
79th
Engrossing drama/character study, with Newman nailing an atypical role as a drunken, broken down ambulance chaser looking for redemption (no sign of the typical Newman swagger here). Mason is suitably cold as the refined and corrupt opposing counsel, and Warden and Rampling are both excellent as Newman's rallying team. Perhaps a little too slowly paced at times, film still manages to drag you in and score quite an emotional punch by the finale.
Rated 22 Jan 2011
manwhonosemanwhonose
Rated 18 Nov 2014
91
51st
The good points are very good. Sidney Lumet's direction is of his usual, very high standard; the performances - especially that of Paul Newman - are very fine indeed; and Edward Pisoni's cinematography is a work of art. That having been said, the bad points; David Mamet's iffy script and the pompous tone to the whole thing stop it from being the fantastic movie it could have been.
Rated 18 Nov 2014
johnsandwichJohnSandwich
Rated 20 May 2011
70
63rd
Great performances, pretty engaging. Drags in parts and the resolution to the case was a bit unbelievable - still, I quite liked it. But something is missing from it being great.
Rated 20 May 2011
capodelnullacapodelnulla
Rated 20 Feb 2016
80
81st
tüm hukuk dramaları için ders niteliğinde bir film. karakter kullanımından odaktaki davayı görüşe, barındırdığı hukuk felsefesinden hukuk pratiğine dair cümlelerine kadar.
Rated 20 Feb 2016
neonmanNeonman
Rated 24 Sep 2013
83
73rd
A very good court drama, although because of its surprising spaciousness, muted quietness, and depressing underlying story, this is made out to be more a court noir. The very informed script, solid pacing, and memorable performance from Newman all go hand in hand to produce a somewhat political drama that never keeps its eye of the emotional resonance in its main character and how he connects with the film's theme (that the justice system is bullshit).
Rated 24 Sep 2013
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 07 Feb 2011
83
72nd
Really well made courtroom drama with a focus on the lawyer's ethical redemption rather than the case. Which is a good thing, because the case isn't all that compelling but Newman's performance is fantastic.
Rated 07 Feb 2011
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 12 Nov 2011
95
93rd
Newman just soars in this role. He's the lead in a cast of greats, especially James Mason as the defendant's lawyer. Lumet's direction is solid and Mamet's screenplay crackles. Courtroom dramas are the best kinds of movies to get wrapped up in and this one, with its twists and turns, is no exception.
Rated 12 Nov 2011
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 08 Jul 2017
73
88th
Another understated Lumet drama. They aren't flashy or in your face, just rock solid acting directing and written.
Rated 08 Jul 2017
theyshoot07theyshoot07
Rated 02 Mar 2008
68
48th
# 635
Rated 02 Mar 2008
yiannosYiannos
Rated 25 Jun 2016
70
71st
There isn't much you can to do with a courtroom drama, but Lumet and Mamet transform what is essentially standard material into something compelling and better than average. Newman does fine work as a drunken, broken down lawyer in search of redemption, while Mason is equally good as his courtroom adversary. Mamet's screenplay is well written, but it's rather simplistic, and its lack of complexity holds the film back from achieving true greatness. The performances sell it, including Warden's.
Rated 25 Jun 2016
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 28 Jul 2011
74
48th
It's really just an alright movie, leaves not impact, nothing particularly memorable, but nevertheless not a waste of time. Newman is good as always, but I'd pass this up for some of his better performances, and it's pretty easy to find a better Lumet flick as well.
Rated 28 Jul 2011
ocelotOcelot
Rated 16 Feb 2015
70
73rd
Paul Newman is pretty much the best actor ever and it doesn't hurt to be directed by one of the all time greats. In a way, it's the antithesis of 12 Angry Men -- a story drenched in cynicism, shot from afar, with the actors dwarfed by their surroundings rather than taking front and center. The biggest problem -- and many legal dramas have this -- is how to include a woman in the storyline as something other than a lawyer, and it misses here. But everything else hits, and hard.
Rated 16 Feb 2015
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 24 Dec 2009
90
83rd
An excellent performance from Paul Newman, with great supporting work from Mason and Rampling. Lindsay Crouse is very fine in her brief scene as a nurse.
Rated 24 Dec 2009
cstewart64CStewart64
Rated 27 Jan 2017
11
45th
W3E0P1S2V1M1A2R1.
Rated 27 Jan 2017
nimnonimno
Rated 10 Jan 2010
89
88th
I've watched this movie many times. It has a believable story line. Paul Newman's portrayal of the washed-up alcoholic lawyer was a masterpiece. I wish he had found a way other than breaking in to a mailbox to find that phone number though! There are some logic flaws late in the trial (James Mason dispatches lawyers to find precedents before he knows what they need to find.) This is another movie that would make no sense, technology-wise, in the 21st century. But a remake would be great!
Rated 10 Jan 2010
lookjabbaLookJabba...
Rated 28 Jan 2015
8
76th
The Verdict is an interesting courtroom drama and all round it's another solid piece of filmmaking from Sidney Lumet. Paul Newman gives another fine performance as a lawyer that's down on his look and in search of redemption. As always he delivers his dialogue impeccably, but his facial expressions and body language play an integral part here also. James Mason is a worthy mention too. There's no doubting this films quality, but it's heavily reliant on and elevated by Paul Newman's performance.
Rated 28 Jan 2015
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 23 May 2019
60
26th
Frank Galvin: "You know, so much of the time we're just lost. We say, "Please, God, tell us what is right; tell us what is true." And there is no justice: the rich win, the poor are powerless. We become tired of hearing people lie. And after a time, we become dead... a little dead. We think of ourselves as victims... and we become victims. We become... we become weak. We doubt ourselves, we doubt our beliefs. We doubt our institutions. And we doubt the law. But today you are the law."
Rated 23 May 2019
evilmangoesEvilMangoes
Rated 10 Nov 2018
89
69th
A-
Rated 10 Nov 2018
theyshoot08theyshoot08
Rated 19 Dec 2008
68
36th
634
Rated 19 Dec 2008
djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
77th
Score based on distant memory.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
rthornhillrthornhill
Rated 03 May 2009
94
89th
fantastic sense of place and a great performance from newman. warden and rampling are standouts in their supporting roles also. one of my favorite films from lumet. highly recommended.
Rated 03 May 2009
filliganFilligan
Rated 09 Mar 2014
84
55th
A bleakly realistic take on the courtroom drama, completely devoid of frills and Hollywood glamour. Newman's performance perfectly marries with Lumet's vision, and the film comes to rest on the well-constructed screenplay.
Rated 09 Mar 2014
3drevelation3dRevelation
Rated 10 Mar 2012
77
73rd
Not Lumet's best, but there are some really nice scenes here. Newman was very good and Lindsay Crouse stole the scene at the end. It could have been better, but it was more than passable.
Rated 10 Mar 2012
stainStain
Rated 22 Mar 2007
100
95th
One of the most cinematic courtroom dramas ever. Must be seen on big screen
Rated 22 Mar 2007
melvin_smifMelvin Smif
Rated 16 Mar 2010
70
79th
Newman portrays Galvin's bleak lifestyle with all the remarkable skill you'd expect from the man. I'm a sucker for all legal drama, and find it interesting that they turned a usually boring civil case into an interesting story. The love story I could do without, there is enough going on to interest me.
Rated 16 Mar 2010
miss_jesusmiss jesus
Rated 27 Oct 2009
87
89th
Mamet Lumet = Awesome. A dramatic and surprisingly suspenseful film that makes you feel strongly for a protagonist who isn't exactly heroic. This is, IMO, the best Paul Newman performance. It was interesting to watch this in the shadow of some groundbreaking recent research on persistent vegetative states.
Rated 27 Oct 2009
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 14 Aug 2022
60
26th
Funeralcrasherlol+getsthemissingnurse-it'scuzsheatetoosoonbefore-theychangedhernumber+disallowherlol+stillwin+loldeathbasketballalone
Rated 14 Aug 2022
napolenbradynapolenbrady
Rated 09 Mar 2019
78
4th
78.00
Rated 09 Mar 2019
glm01glm01
Rated 21 Oct 2013
87
91st
86.500
Rated 21 Oct 2013
robrob
Rated 23 Sep 2007
10
46th
Somewhat formulaic, but Newman rises above it and delivers a truly great performance. Still, it's hard to get too excited about a courtroom drama where, against all odds, all it takes is one impassioned speech to redeem us all; "12 Angry Men" it ain't.
Rated 23 Sep 2007
krf7krf7
Rated 17 Jul 2010
60
35th
Pointless...skip it.
Rated 17 Jul 2010
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 23 Sep 2015
3
45th
Solid, not superlative. Newman is good, the script is good, but it dwells on ethical redemption in a morally white-washed and less nuanced manner than Lumet's best films.
Rated 23 Sep 2015
frederFreder
Rated 13 Oct 2018
85
78th
Amusing side note: The only reason this picture is rated R is because of a single scene in which Jack Warden says "fuck" about twenty times.
Rated 13 Oct 2018
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 14 Aug 2007
74
50th
Courtroom drama formula. David vs. Goliath, David pulls out a clever trick but it's combatted by some legalese (damn these lawyers and their sneaky practice of law!), David's on the ropes, SUDDEN REVELATION, SURPRISE WITNESS, happy ending. They're more about being detectives and having an impassioned closing argument than trying a case. This film deviates in small ways from the template, but it's mostly the standard routine. However, Newman is pretty good and the details are intriguing.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
sveneriksvenerik
Rated 10 Aug 2010
85
78th
One of Newman's finest performances rescues a rather slow-paced and predictable legal thriller.
Rated 10 Aug 2010
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 23 Mar 2011
7
68th
It's easy to overrate this movie even before you see it. David Mamet writing, Lumet directing and starring Paul Newman and Jack Warden, it's really amazing on paper. It's entertaining and you end up rooting for the good guys to win, partly because James Mason is amazing as the scummy, big time lawyer. It can be formulaic but when the formula works why change it?
Rated 23 Mar 2011
anselmi86Anselmi86
Rated 03 Nov 2009
80
70th
Great courtroom drama. Sidney Lumet's quiet direction is fascinating. Newman definitely gives one of his best turns, but it is John Mason's performance as the sly defense attorney that steals the show, for me. The film also includes one of the most haunting opening shots I've ever seen.
Rated 03 Nov 2009
myfavchordsmyfavchords
Rated 17 Dec 2011
88
94th
Another Oscar worthy performance from Paul Newman. The script and directing are also great in this film. If you are a fan of courtroom dramas or a fan of Paul Newman then you have to check this film out.
Rated 17 Dec 2011
glmglm
Rated 07 Jun 2012
87
85th
87.125
Rated 07 Jun 2012
telemecusTelemecus
Rated 08 Aug 2014
48
54th
Very mediocre start to this film for which I almost stopped watching it half way through. By the end it had become a quality film that was worth it.
Rated 08 Aug 2014
leerobbinsLeeRobbins
Rated 05 May 2017
88
41st
A bit slow moving but great acting and very gripping particularly the closing. The script could be improved as some of the behaviors don't seem to be plausible.
Rated 05 May 2017
xacviantxacviant
Rated 01 Oct 2014
84
67th
A hard-up lawyer (Paul Newman) has a chance to redeem himself in a medical malpractice case--but his opponents are skilled and resourceful, and he needs luck as much as his wits. As courtroom dramas go, it's not quite of the top rank, lacking the strong opposing force of A FEW GOOD MEN or the procedural complexity of Lumet's own 12 ANGRY MEN--but it's still a compelling tale of a broken man, with Newman in excellent form and surrounded by a strong supporting cast and a smooth presentation.
Rated 01 Oct 2014
theyshoot10theyshoot10
Rated 15 Jan 2010
71
42nd
590
Rated 15 Jan 2010
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 26 Apr 2014
90
92nd
Paul Newman redemption movie sign me up
Rated 26 Apr 2014
frankswildfrankswild
Rated 23 Jul 2009
75
63rd
I wish they had been thriftier with dramatic music as a cue that the scene was dramatic. It affected the drama of the scenes that were changed significantly by the music (such as the scene on the plane). I also found the manner of the opening and closing credits to be especially jarring.
Rated 23 Jul 2009
schnofelschnofel
Rated 29 Dec 2020
85
95th
Surrounded by gothic architecture, followed by burning fires and the color red, the harsh light of God's judgment shines upon this disgraced, middle-aged lawyer. We know this because Newman signifies it constantly - a drink in his hand, smoking, hunched over, struggling to get his words together, he talks like a priest who has lost his faith. And it's this struggle that gives the film form and meaning. Never mind the schematic characters and ponderous movements. It's all a confession.
Rated 29 Dec 2020
mcjohnsonMcJohnson
Rated 23 May 2016
81
47th
Depressing courtroom drama. Makes you feel like a distant, disinterested observer, which somehow works quite well for the subject matter. Newman and Mason are engaging. The love story and Rampling's character's betrayal appear too accessory to the goings-on in the rest of the story to have much of an impact. Has not aged very well.
Rated 23 May 2016
theyshoot11theyshoot11
Rated 01 Dec 2011
68
36th
#638
Rated 01 Dec 2011
tonytheponyTonythePony
Rated 01 Aug 2009
68
49th
Maybe this would have packed more of a punch if I'd seen it in the 80's, but the courtroom stuff doesn't really hold up these days. As you'd expect the best things here are Newman and Lumet. Sadly, there's not enough meat in the story for them to raise this much above passable drama.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
spleenspleen
Rated 21 Feb 2012
66
33rd
Newman puts in a good performance despite the script being only slightly more engaging than a Belly Burner infomercial. Not a bad choice if your other evening entertainment options include watching paint dry.
Rated 21 Feb 2012
matthagenmatthagen
Rated 15 Feb 2022
47
35th
Spoilers to a movie from 1982 follow. This is a well-made, well-acted movie, no doubt. I'm no lawyer, but some important turns in the movie seem unlawful and only there to serve the plot. The overall despicable behavior of the judge. Newman's decision, on his own, to not settle. The verdict comes out of left field, and then trying to get the plaintiff more money on top of that? Unnecessarily planting a mole. So much just doesn't make sense, and it kills the movie.
Rated 15 Feb 2022
boxcarsBoxcars
Rated 02 Feb 2016
8
71st
Newman gives the kind of stellar performance you'd expect as an alcoholic washed-up lawyer looking for redemption in Lumet's 'The Verdict'; a largely cold and solemn courtroom drama with its only notable drawbacks being a less than genuine ending and a romantic subplot that doesn't feel quite needed.
Rated 02 Feb 2016
duval_spitDuval Spit
Rated 15 Sep 2011
76
24th
Great performances; weak story.
Rated 15 Sep 2011
paulofilmopaulofilmo
Rated 30 Jun 2008
59
13th
Mediocre in pretty much every way. Granted, it looked better than a TV movie, but having seen a few courtroom dramas recently, The Verdict doesn't even come close. James Handy woke me up a bit, but ultimately a regretful watch.
Rated 30 Jun 2008

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