Tim Robbins's balanced yet uncompromising approach refuses to judge any of the characters, including the killer (superlatively played by Sean Penn), instead giving each a fair chance to present their case with dignity and respect.
Overview
A death row inmate turns for spiritual guidance to a local nun in the days leading up to his scheduled execution for the murders of a young couple.
Director and cast
- Tim Robbins Director
- Susan Sarandon as Sister Helen Prejean
- Sean Penn as Matthew Poncelet
- Robert Prosky as Hilton Barber
- Raymond J. Barry as Earl Delacroix
- R. Lee Ermey as Clyde Percy
- Celia Weston as Mary Beth Percy
- Lois Smith as Helen's Mother
- Scott Wilson as Kaplan Farlely
- Roberta Maxwell as Lucille Poncelet
- Margo Martindale Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
An intelligent, balanced, devastating movie.
Takes us along on the reluctant, difficult, essentially spiritual journey these two unlikely people make together.
Dead Man Walking could easily be manipulative or exploitative, but it's neither. Instead, this is hard-hitting drama that neither accepts nor offers quarter.
A thought-provoking drama not to be missed or dismissed.
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