Old soul Nikita Mikhalkov's appropriation of the 12 Angry Men template is a bloated series of harangues that feels too long even before its full 154 minutes have shuffled by.

The film transforms Rose's play into a ballet of sorts. The story is as much about movement as it is about words.

Those who seek a drama as provocative as it is captivating will find much to enjoy.

A powerful and beautiful film that matters.