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A Lesson Before Dying
1999
An uplifting tale of a black man (Phifer) in the 1940's South who is wrongly accused of killing a white man. His attorney's only defense is that he is an animal, a hog, and, therefore, is unaccountable for his actions. Predictably, he is convicted of the crime. Distraught in a prison cell, his family convinces the local school .. Read more
| Starring | Don Cheadle, Cicely Tyson, Mekhi Phifer |
|---|---|
| Director | Joseph Sargent |
| Genres | Drama |
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A Lesson Before Dying
An uplifting tale of a black man (Phifer) in the 1940's South who is wrongly accused of killing a white man. His attorney's only defense is that he is an animal, a hog, and, therefore, is unaccountable for his actions. Predictably, he is convicted of the crime. Distraught in a prison cell, his family convinces the local school teacher (Cheadle) to visit him and restore his deflated dignity. Based on the novel by Ernest J. Gaines.
| Starring | Don Cheadle, Cicely Tyson, Mekhi Phifer |
|---|---|
| Director | Joseph Sargent |
| Studio | PRISM LEISURE |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 25 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 23 Aug 2004 Production year: 1999 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews
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Don Cheadle is the teacher attempting to restore dignity to a condemned man in this Emmy-winning TV movie, based on Ernest J Gaines's novel. Set in rural 1940s Louisiana, Cheadle reluctantly visits a young African-American (Mekhi Phifer) due to be executed for a murder he did not commit. Unlike most movies in this genre, this is not about the search for an 11th-hour reprieve but rather an attempt to reconcile Phifer to his fate — however undeserved. Writer Ann Peacock's solid script, Joseph Sargent's thoughtful direction and a first-rate cast, including veteran Cicely Tyson, make this heart-rending movie memorable.
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Most helpful member's review
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
A Lesson for us all.
We have come a long way since the 1940's when this story was told.
Its hard to beleive people acted in this way to their fellow man less than 50 years ago,but they did.
This is a story of innocence,ignorance,hopelesness,inequality but most of all bravery and courage,the cards are stacked heavily against the main character,his journey from start to finish is one we share,but unlike him at the end we can sit and try to reason and ponder on the journey we shared.
This film is in many ways deeply upsetting and I found myself calling out in indignation at some of the events that accured.
Superbly acted by all who told this story.
If you prefer films that make you think rather than be entertained then this is for you. -
Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Lesson before Dying
Enjoyed this film despite the sad theme. Well acted and made interesting viewing.
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A Lesson Before Dying
An uplifting tale of a black man (Phifer) in the 1940's South who is wrongly accused of killing a white man. His attorney's only defense is that he is an animal, a hog, and, therefore, is unaccountable for his actions. Predictably, he is convicted of the crime. Distraught in a prison cell, his ...
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