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Dead Man Walking Details

1995 Certificate 15
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 9624 members

This acclaimed film traces the relationship between a death-row inmate and the local nun to whom he turns for spiritual guidance in the days leading up to his scheduled execution. Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn) has been convicted of the rape and murder of two young lovers and is awaiting execution. Susan Sarandon plays Sister .. Read more

Starring Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Robert Prosky, Raymond Barry
Director Tim Robbins
Genres Drama

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Dead Man Walking

This acclaimed film traces the relationship between a death-row inmate and the local nun to whom he turns for spiritual guidance in the days leading up to his scheduled execution. Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn) has been convicted of the rape and murder of two young lovers and is awaiting execution. Susan Sarandon plays Sister Helen Prejean, a nun who has devoted herself to God and to helping the less fortunate. Prejean faces a moral crisis as she tries to reconcile her anti-death penalty views with the truth of Poncelet's actions and the pain felt by the victim's families.

Starring Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Robert Prosky, Raymond Barry, R. Lee Ermey, Scott Wilson
Director Tim Robbins
Studio MGM ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 1 hr 57 mins
Certificate Certificate 15
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Dubbed French, Spanish
Hearing-impaired English
Subtitles DVD: Dutch, French, Hungarian, Spanish
Released DVD: 17 Sep 2001
Production year: 1995
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (6) of Dead Man Walking

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  • 3 stars out of 5

    An ambitious project, with an excellent cast, especially the under-used Joe Morton as Sergeant Barkley, the leader of a group of black soldiers in Vietnam on what, unbeknownst to them, is a suicide mission. When the impossible nature of their mission becomes apparent, the soldiers go through fluctuations in their loyalty to Barkley, who harbours a dark secret in his own past. Good direction and convincing set pieces can't save the script, which is a bit too contrived and predictable to be enjoyable.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • "...A highly intriguing drama....An intimate chamber piece for two, superbly acted by Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn....[A] mature, well-crafted movie..."

    • Variety
    • Posted 11 Mar 2005

  • Most helpful member's review of Dead Man Walking

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  • 24 out of 24 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    A moving, sensitive and balanced film

    This film tackles one of the most difficult subjects: the death penalty. A guilty man on death row who doesn't do himself any favours, an old-fashioned Christian advisor and the parents of the victimes (two teenagers). Tim Robbins treats everyone with the respect they deserve and doesn't fall into the trap of preaching. His approach is as sensitive as anyone could wish for. Both his protagonists are marvellous, understated and deeply touching. A very important film that will bring tears to your eyes. Hopefully, it should also make you think long and hard. Fantastic.

      • Marianthi from London
      • Posted 26 Jan 2004 23:53

  • Most recent members' review of Dead Man Walking

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  • 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 2 stars

    A little mawkish and uncomfortable

    To look at the death penalty in the form of film a more educated and informed viewing could take in the Life of David Gale. However, that doesn't mean this wasn't a 'good' film.

    It was obviously well made although I did find it a little mawkish and uncomfortable, not because I am uncomfortable with the subject matter but perhaps the patronising way it was handled. Some films leave you to think for yourself and make your own opinions (David Gale) others spoon feed you the film maker's view which is how I felt about this.

    Try it for yourself though!

      • NEEDTOGETALIFE from Cheshire
      • Posted 20 Aug 2004 22:00

  • News and features

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    The Fifth Element

    Sarandon and Besson land Stockholm film festival honours

    • 22 Oct 2009

    Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon and French filmmaker Luc Besson are due to accept high honours at the Stockholm Film Festival in Sweden next month (Nov09). Sarandon, 63, will receive the lifetime achievement award at the event - with organisers celebrating the star for the "reflection, seduction and rebellion" she has portrayed on the big screen throughout her career. Her most famous roles include rebellious waitress Louise in 1991's Thelma and Louise and her Oscar-winning performance as... Read more

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Rating breakdown

9,624 Member ratings
  • 100
860
  • 90
961
  • 80
2,172
  • 70
2,014
  • 60
1,726
  • 50
913
  • 40
466
  • 30
279
  • 20
154
  • 10
79

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      • This acclaimed film traces the relationship between a death-row inmate and the local nun to whom he turns for spiritual guidance in the days leading up to his scheduled execution. Matthew Poncelet (...