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      Dead Man Walking

      R Released Dec 29, 1995 2h 2m Crime Drama List
      95% Tomatometer 61 Reviews 86% Audience Score 50,000+ Ratings As death row inmate Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn) nears his execution date, he calls upon Sister Helen Prejean (Susan Sarandon) to help him with one last appeal, maintaining that he is innocent of the murders of a young couple. Poncelet begins to form a bond with Prejean, and she visits both his family and the relatives of the victims, hoping to learn more about the case. As things begin to look bleak for Poncelet, Prejean does all that she can to comfort and console the hardened convict. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

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      Critics 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.

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      Critics Reviews

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      David Ansen Newsweek It's a strong film, made stronger by two terrific performances. Penn's acting has ruthless honesty. Feb 23, 2018 Full Review David Stratton At the Movies (Australia) It's an important film and a beautifully made film too. Rated: 4/5 Feb 12, 2016 Full Review Steven D. Greydanus Decent Films Rated: A Oct 29, 2008 Full Review Sheila Reid Women in the Life A riveting, thought-provoking drama. May 13, 2022 Full Review Brian D. Johnson Maclean's Magazine Penn plays Matthew with a quiet, feral intensity... Oct 21, 2019 Full Review Malcolm Johnson Hartford Courant Penn and Sarandon in their final moments together achieve a strange transcendence that makes the end of Dead Man Walking sobering and horrifying, yet oddly uplifting. May 3, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

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      Mike P Searing screed about the death penalty; taken from Sr Helen Pejean's fact-based and autobiographical docunovel; brilliant performances; very haunting and moving. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/31/24 Full Review Alec C Are we capable of being redeemed or are we doomed to oblivion after death? As a nun attempts to assist a convict on death row to find forgiveness, while attempting to get his sentence commuted to life imprisonment, despite the family of the victims demanding execution. A deep and insightful look into the complexities of salvation and acceptance, this story makes us wonder what'll happen to our eternal soul?! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/12/24 Full Review David H Good film. Brilliant acting by the two leads. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/01/23 Full Review KB B This was such a compelling movie with great acting. Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon were both outstanding. It's definitely worth the watch. 4.5 stars Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/20/23 Full Review Alec B It's an effective argument against the death penalty and one that does not entirely invalidate the opposing point of view. Penn and Sarandon give two truly powerful performances. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/13/23 Full Review Avindu G The world is reshaped by courageous people. Where would us be if not for them. Love empathy and reason is a wonderful occurrence, something that is truly hard to express with all darkness that grows and regrows. That love that keen patient empathy was put to motion by Susan S masterfully. Penn's performance was flawless and sincere. Cinematography is excellent such as the reflections on the glass door of death row cell. Unique background music that relates to the tone of the story. A well written story that puts viewers on contradiction and salvage them with the message of hope, commitment and courage. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/01/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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      Movie Info

      Synopsis As death row inmate Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn) nears his execution date, he calls upon Sister Helen Prejean (Susan Sarandon) to help him with one last appeal, maintaining that he is innocent of the murders of a young couple. Poncelet begins to form a bond with Prejean, and she visits both his family and the relatives of the victims, hoping to learn more about the case. As things begin to look bleak for Poncelet, Prejean does all that she can to comfort and console the hardened convict.
      Director
      Tim Robbins
      Producer
      Rudd Simmons, Tim Robbins, Jon Kilik
      Screenwriter
      Tim Robbins
      Distributor
      MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., Gramercy Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp.
      Production Co
      PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
      Rating
      R
      Genre
      Crime, Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Dec 29, 1995, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Aug 7, 2011
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $37.1M
      Runtime
      2h 2m
      Sound Mix
      Surround, Dolby Digital
      Aspect Ratio
      Flat (1.85:1)
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