Dead Man Walking

1995 • 122 minutes

About this movie

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?

Ratings and reviews

Very interesting feature, but still a little heavy handed with its themes and making its point. Sean Penn is incredible.