Dead Man Walking

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Dead Man Walking

R

Released Dec 29, 1995

2h 2m

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

60 Reviews

86%

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50,000+ Ratings

As death row inmate Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn) nears his execution date, he calls upon Sister Helen Prejean (Susan Sarandon) to help him with one last appeal, maintaining that he is innocent of the murders of a young couple. Poncelet begins to form a bond with Prejean, and she visits both his family and the relatives of the victims, hoping to learn more about the case. As things begin to look bleak for Poncelet, Prejean does all that she can to comfort and console the hardened convict.

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Critics Consensus

A powerful, thought-provoking film that covers different angles of its topic without resorting to preaching, Dead Man Walking will cause the viewer to reflect regardless of their political viewpoint.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

It's a strong film, made stronger by two terrific performances. Penn's acting has ruthless honesty.

Feb 23, 2018

Full Review

David Stratton

At the Movies (Australia)

It's an important film and a beautifully made film too.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 12, 2016

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

Variety

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.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 10, 2006

Full Review

Sheila Reid

Women in the Life

A riveting, thought-provoking drama.

May 13, 2022

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Brian D. Johnson

Maclean's Magazine

Penn plays Matthew with a quiet, feral intensity...

Oct 21, 2019

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Malcolm Johnson

Hartford Courant

Penn and Sarandon in their final moments together achieve a strange transcendence that makes the end of Dead Man Walking sobering and horrifying, yet oddly uplifting.

May 3, 2018

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Theo E

A Haiku Review: A rare movie that Bothers to challenge viewpoints Without taking sides

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/30/25

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Nol P

Was hard to watch this one and knowing that nothing has gotten better out there with all of the world and all of the rapists and all of the bad people! And all of the hate! This was my 2nd time ever only seeing this. Sean Penn is typically way over the top as his style goes but this one he did really well to back off the Sean in him and he put together a fine piece of acting! Well directed by Tim Robbins! Strong, gripping but tough to watch...a must see! 8.5 of 10!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/03/25

Full Review

ed m

Great movie. Sean Penn's best performance.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/05/25

Full Review

john h

Dead Man Walking is one of the several Sean Penn performances that categorize his career roles as intense and serious. Despite the empathy we feel for a man on death row, anyone who ever wanted Penn's character to somehow find a way out is put off when the actual crimes are depicted on the screen, dehumanizing him until the tears roll for forgiveness.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/05/25

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Stephen C

2 hours and 2 minutes of crimes and drama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $37,100,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

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Johannes S

Captivating story with amazing performances. Questions ones views about the death penalty.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/16/25

Full Review

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Tim Robbins

Director

Susan Sarandon

Sister Helen Prejean

Sean Penn

Matthew Poncelet

Robert Prosky

Hilton Barber

Raymond J. Barry

Earl Delacroix

R. Lee Ermey

Clyde Percy

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Synopsis

As death row inmate Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn) nears his execution date, he calls upon Sister Helen Prejean (Susan Sarandon) to help him with one last appeal, maintaining that he is innocent of the murders of a young couple. Poncelet begins to form a bond with Prejean, and she visits both his family and the relatives of the victims, hoping to learn more about the case. As things begin to look bleak for Poncelet, Prejean does all that she can to comfort and console the hardened convict.

Director: Tim Robbins
Producer: Rudd Simmons, Tim Robbins, Jon Kilik
Screenwriter: Tim Robbins
Distributor: MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., Gramercy Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp.
Production Co: PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 29, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 7, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $37.1M
Runtime: 2h 2m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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