Masterclasses for modern actors in how to act

You watch twelve men in a room for almost two hours discussing a case you were not privvy to, and do not have the full details to, and you sit mesmorised as of these 12 men, with excellent lead from Fonda. That is the sign of true acting.

Bogart and Bergman - but particularly Bogart

Jimmy Stewart, no-one can touch him, all his movies act as exemplars for acting.

Alan Rickman as Eamon De Valera, is the closest thing to an actor metamorphosing into the person he is portraying.

Pete Postelwaite's performance in this movie is touching in the tragic role of Guiseppe Conlon. He met with the widow of Mr Conlon regularly to discuss how best to convey her husband to ensure he caused no offence and these visits continued until his recent death.

Again Jimmy Stewart, this is the movie I first remember watching with him in it - this performance is perfect