Click here to copy URL

Dead Man Walking

7.4

57,260

Ratings

Add to lists

where to watch

Rent

buy

Pro reviews

Links

Original title

Dead Man Walking

Year

1995

Running time

120 min.

Country

United States

Director

Tim Robbins

Screenwriter

Tim Robbins. Book: Helen Prejean

Cast

Music

David Robbins

Cinematography

Roger Deakins

Producer

Polygram Filmed Entertainment, Working Title Films, Havoc

Genre

Drama | Crime. Prison Drama. Religion. Based on a true story

Synopsis

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.

NEW

About similar movies and series:

Similarity over 75%

Similarity between 60% and 75%

Similarity between 40% and 60%

Similarity below 40%

Similar Movies to Dead Man Walking

Rankings Position

#46 Best Movies Based on a True Story
#100 Best Movies of the '90s
#112 Best Crime Movies

Awards: 1995: Oscar: Best Actress (Sarandon). 4 Nominations

1995: 3 Nominations for Golden Globe: Actor Drama (Penn), Actress Drama, Screenplay

1995: David di Donatello Awards: Best Foreign Actress (Susan Sarandon)

1996: Berlin Film Festival: Silver Bear - Best Actor (Sean Penn)

1995: Independent Spirit Awards: Best Actor (Sean Penn). 2 Nominations

1995: Screen Actors Guild (SAG): Best Actress (Susan Sarandon). 2 Nominations

Show all

Critics' reviews

"Sarandon, as ever, is superlative. Penn is beyond superlatives (...) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)"

Angie Errigo: Empire
"After seeing 'Dead Man Walking,' I paused outside the screening to jot a final line on my notes: "This film ennobles filmmaking (...) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 4)"

Roger Ebert: Chicago Sun-Times
"Mr. Robbins's writing is at times too speechy in tackling these issues, but his direction is graceful and finally devastating."

Janet Maslin: The New York Times
"'Walking' is strong in every department: narrative structure, visual style, bold sensibility, dense texture and rich characterization"

Emanuel Levy: Variety
"Unusual in both its subject matter and its approach, this film guides us on a pair of intertwined paths American movies rarely venture down."

Kenneth Turan: Los Angeles Times
"It's ironic that a film with this title should be among the most vital, alive, and challenging cinema experiences of the year"

James Berardinelli: ReelViews

Movie Soulmates' ratings: Register so you can access movie recommendations tailored to your movie taste.
Friends' ratings: Register so you can check out ratings by your friends, family members, and like-minded members of the FA community.

Ranking Lists Position

74 Movies with a Great Female Lead (45)
91 My Favorite Dramas (161)

Is the synopsis/plot summary missing? Do you want to report a spoiler, error or omission? Please send us a message.
If you are not a registered user please send us an email to [email protected]

All copyrighted material (movie posters, DVD covers, stills, trailers) and trademarks belong to their respective producers and/or distributors.

For US ratings information please visit: www.mpaa.org www.filmratings.com www.parentalguide.org

Dead Man Walking

User history