12 (2003)
A decade-in-the-making indie odyssey blending Greek mythology, LA love story, and pagan comedy into one unforgettable adventure.
12 - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Lawrence Bridges
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 2h 4m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 27, 2003 (United States)
12 - Plot
A half-sister and brother, illegitimate offsprings of Zeus, are stranded on a Channel Island ranch and face eviction by the US Government. They must find a play fated by Zeus and perform it flawlessly for the gods' amusement. If they do not act well, they will die. Shot over a period of 10 years "12" is 1 part L.A. love story, "The Importance of Being Earnest", a pagan spoof, personal diary of LA disasters of the 90's, and an unforgettable adventure about characters in search of themselves.
12 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this mythological indie adventure:
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12 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Lawrence Bridges
Main Cast
- Alison Elliott
- Tony Griffin
- Allen Lulu
- Brenda Varda
- Eugene Rubenzer
- Blake Robertson
- Golde Starger
- David Franco
- Eddie Zona
- Julienne Greer
Writers
- Lawrence Bridges
12 - FAQs
What is 12 (2003) about?
12 follows a half-sister and brother — illegitimate children of Zeus — stranded on a California Channel Island ranch facing eviction by the US Government. To survive, they must find and perform a play chosen by Zeus to the gods' satisfaction. Shot over ten years, it blends LA love story, Greek mythology, and personal comedy.
Why did 12 take ten years to film?
Director Lawrence Bridges shot 12 over a span of ten years, giving the film an unusual, evolving quality. This extended production allowed the story to absorb real LA events from the 1990s, lending it the feel of a personal diary as much as a scripted narrative — a rare approach in independent filmmaking.
What Greek mythology elements appear in 12?
The film is steeped in Greek mythology. Zeus and Hera appear as characters, alongside Pan, Hermes, and Aphrodite. The central premise — divine offspring forced to perform for the gods' amusement on pain of death — frames the story as a pagan spoof that playfully reimagines Olympian drama in a modern California setting.
Is 12 inspired by any literary works?
Yes — the film draws inspiration from Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, weaving its themes of mistaken identity and social performance into the story. Bridges combines this with elements of a personal LA disaster diary and a mythological adventure, creating a genuinely eclectic blend of influences.
Who are the main actors in 12?
The cast features Alison Elliott as Marie-Noel and Tony Griffin as Filmore West in the lead roles. Supporting players include Allen Lulu, Brenda Varda as Hera, Eugene Rubenzer as Zeus, Blake Robertson, Golde Starger, David Franco as Pan, Eddie Zona as Hermes, and Julienne Greer.
Where can you watch 12 online?
You can check current streaming availability for 12 on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream across major platforms in your region. Availability can change, so it's worth checking regularly for the latest options.
Who wrote and directed 12 (2003)?
Lawrence Bridges wrote, directed, and edited 12 — a rare triple role that reflects the deeply personal nature of the project. His decade-long commitment to the film shaped its distinctive voice, blending mythological fantasy with autobiographical observation of 1990s Los Angeles life.
What films are similar to 12 (2003)?
If 12 appeals to you, you might enjoy Napoleon Dynamite (2004) for its quirky indie spirit, Hellion (2014) for its character-driven drama, or Jacob (1994) for its similarly unconventional storytelling. Good Fortune (2025) and The Last Song (2010) are also worth exploring for fans of heartfelt independent cinema.
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