Dead Man Walking
"A courageous and passionate drama." - Janet Maslin, The New York Times
Inspired by the true story of a nun's relationship with a condemned man, this provocative examination of crime, punishment and redemption earned Susan Sarandon the 1995 Oscar for Best Actress and Sean Penn an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Dead Man Walking is a "fast-moving and absorbing" film filled with "genuine suspense" (Variety) that will leave you awe-struck from beginning to end.
Sister Helen Prejean (Sarandon), a compassionate New Orleans nun, is the spiritual advisor to Matthew Poncelet (Penn), a vicious, angry and complex murderer awaiting execution. Her dedication is to help others, like Matthew, find salvation. But as she attempts to navigate Matthew's dark soul, she encounters a depth of evil that makes her question how far redemption can really go. Can she stave off the fateful day of execution long enough to save Matthew, or will she discover a truth that will rock the very foundation by which she lives her life?
Member Reviews
Compelling - bbryon1
Honoring the request of a lonely and desperate man, Sister Helen Prejean writes to Matthew Poncelet, the condemned killer of two teenage lovers, and is wholly unprepared for the relationship which will follow. When the date is set for Matthew's execution, he asks Sister Helen to be his spiritual advisor and she complies. As she comes to see the terrified human beneath Matt's brash, unrepentant facade, Sister Helen becomes increasingly disturbed, not only by the terrible anguish he suffers during the long countdown, but by the rage of the victims' families, who seek retribution for their unbearable loss. With his scheduled execution fast approaching, she struggles for the life, the dignity, and the soul of a confused and angry man. In the end, it is her faith and her fierce courage that sustains her when she stands with Matthew and with the victims' families.Appropriated a controversial subject by giving pain & personality to both side of the issue - moviemonger
Dead Man Walking is effective, but the true brilliance of this picture is that it deals with so much more. Touching such universal themes as revenge and redemption, crime and punishment, and fear and salvation. Dead Man Walking refers to what the people on death row are called as they take that final walk towards their execution. A moving and even-handed indictment of capital punishment, Dead Man Walking takes us into the heart of the justice system. By avoiding mushy sentimentalism the story is tinged with real and harrowing emotion, rather than a sickly-sweet substitute, which mounts to a unbearable level. A fine film and a well pitched cry against murder in all of its forms. Sarandon and Penn are to be commended for their fine performances, but the story itself is the real star, showing us the harrowing reality of the execution process and the raw anger that it creates. It probably isn't for everyone, but Dead Man Walking is a tale that needs to be heard and that will likely provide material for hours of philosophical debate.Justice and love - Woody2
This is a very powerful, emotional and hard-hitting film. Both Sarandon and Penn are extra-ordinary in their roles. Penn plays a racist, unlikeable, vicious rapist and murderer, and it is hard not to wish for the death penalty. However, it is too easy to mistake justice for revenge. The whole issue of Capital Punishment is on trial here, and the fact that in the US, this does not deter the highest number of killings and rapes in the western world. Sarandon's role as a Nun who becomes his counsellor and support is amazing. She really lives her role. Though-provoking and difficult to watch. But you should.
Member Reviews
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Compelling - bbryon1
Honoring the request of a lonely and desperate man, Sister Helen Prejean writes to Matthew Poncelet, the condemned killer of two teenage lovers, and is wholly unprepared for the relationship which will follow. When the date is set for Matthew's execution, ...Appropriated a controversial subject by giving pain & personality to both side of the issue - moviemonger
Dead Man Walking is effective, but the true brilliance of this picture is that it deals with so much more. Touching such universal themes as revenge and redemption, crime and punishment, and fear and salvation. Dead Man Walking refers to what the people on ...Justice and love - Woody2
This is a very powerful, emotional and hard-hitting film. Both Sarandon and Penn are extra-ordinary in their roles. Penn plays a racist, unlikeable, vicious rapist and murderer, and it is hard not to wish for the death penalty. However, it is too easy to ...