Dead Man Walking (1995) Review in 2025
Dead Man Walking is a thought-provoking drama film based on the true story of Sister Helen Prejean, a nun who befriends a death row inmate and becomes his spiritual advisor.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to mature themes and graphic content, this movie is not suitable for family viewing.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in drama, biographical films, or social justice. It's a powerful and thought-provoking film that will leave you feeling moved and inspired.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film tells the story of Matthew Poncelet, a convicted murderer who is sentenced to death, and Sister Helen Prejean, a nun who volunteers to be his spiritual advisor. As they spend more time together, Sister Helen becomes increasingly conflicted about the morality of the death penalty, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the prison authorities.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is well-structured and engaging, with a clear narrative that explores the complexities of the death penalty and the moral dilemmas faced by Sister Helen and Matthew.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with Sean Penn delivering a tour-de-force performance as Matthew Poncelet. Susan Sarandon is also excellent, bringing a sense of depth and nuance to the role of Sister Helen.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Sean Penn delivering a powerful performance as Matthew Poncelet. Susan Sarandon is also excellent as Sister Helen, bringing a sense of compassion and empathy to the role.
direction9.00/10
Tim Robbins' direction is superb, capturing the intensity and emotion of the story with a keen eye for detail. The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of drama, tension, and quiet moments that keep the audience engaged.
cinematography8.50/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a muted color palette that adds to the overall mood of the film. The use of lighting is also noteworthy, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability in key scenes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's thought-provoking story, well-developed characters, and superb direction make it a standout film. The performances by Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon are also noteworthy.
Cons
The graphic content and mature themes may be off-putting for some viewers. Additionally, the pacing can be slow at times, which may test the patience of some viewers.
Notable Quotes
"I don't want to be a part of a system that kills people."
"I'm not a saint, I'm just a nun."
"You're not a part of the system, you're a part of the solution."
