The Verdict 1982

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader: Sidney Lumet's direction, like David Mamet's patchy script, may not be quite good enough to justify the Rembrandt-like cinematography of Edward Pisoni and the brooding mood of self-importance, but it's good direction nonetheless. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: The performances, the dialogue and the plot all work together like a rare machine. Read more

Time Out: The first courtroom drama in years to recapture the brilliance of the form. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: There are many fine performances and sensitive moral issues contained in The Verdict but somehow that isn't enough to make it the compelling film it should be. Read more