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01/26/06
Dead Man Walking (1995)
94 %
Reviews Counted: 51 Fresh: 48 Rotten:3 Average Rating: 8.2/10
Consensus:
A powerful, thought-provoking film that covers different angles of its topic without resorting to preaching, Dead Man Walking will cause the viewer to reflect regardless of their political viewpoint.
Runtime: 2 hrs 2 mins
Synopsis: This fascinating and powerful drama explores the relationship between a condemned young convict and the nun who counsels him in the days leading up to his execution. Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn) is on death row after being convicted of raping and brutally murdering a young couple. He writes... [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Sean Penn, Susan Sarandon, Robert Prosky, Raymond J. Barry, R. Lee Ermey
Reviews
Top Critic
This makes you think harder about crime and punishment than, say, The Green Mile, delivering uneasy truths rather than comforting melodrama.
01/01/00
Top Critic
To say that the movie is neither for nor against capital punishment is disingenuous. Still, this is a fine and painful effort overall.
07/29/07
Tim Robbins's balanced yet uncompromising approach refuses to judge any of the characters, including the killer (superlatively played by Sean Penn), instead giving each a fair chance to present their case with dignity and respect.
06/10/06
Dead Man Walking is one courageous film, one of the very best of its time.
05/26/06
The movie is neither indulgent in its portrayal of emotionally-charged subject matter, nor does it shy away from the consequences of murder.
01/15/05
Penn proves once again that he should stop writing and directing and stick to what he does best.
12/05/04
Dead Man Walking was worth the river of tears I waded through on my way out.
05/14/03
It takes a truly great film to be so passionate about its viewpoint while still acknowledging and dignifying those who feel differently.
03/28/03
The best film ever made about walking the green mile. The performances of Penn and Sarandon will move you.
02/10/03
An incredibly moving meditation on capital punishment that takes on the unenviable task of showing it from all sides, and then being smart enough to let the audience decide for themselves.
09/23/02
Dead Man Walking is one of these rare films that really makes you think and gives you things to discuss. But if it is indeed an important film, it's also well crafted and gripping.
09/10/02
One of the most finely scripted, well acted films to come out of Hollywood. A modern masterpiece.
08/08/02
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