The Pledge

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The Pledge

R

Released Jan 19, 2001

2h 4m

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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78%

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125 Reviews

59%

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10,000+ Ratings

On the day of his retirement, detective Jerry Black (Jack Nicholson) accepts a gift -- an airline ticket to Mexico. But when the body of a murdered eight-year-old girl is discovered in the mountains, Jerry offers his expertise at the crime scene. When an ambitious younger cop wrenches a dubious confession from a simple-minded suspect, the case is closed... but not for Jerry.

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Critics Consensus

Though its subject matter is grim and may make viewers queasy, The Pledge features an excellent, subtle performance by Jack Nicholson.

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 4/5

Dec 30, 2006

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Jeff Strickler

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Mystery-thriller buffs, promise yourselves that you'll see The Pledge. And while you're at it, be sure to invite along Jack Nicholson fans and anyone who saw the first two movies that Sean Penn directed.

Rated: 3.5/4

Nov 6, 2002

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Peter Rainer

New York Magazine/Vulture

Penn can't be faulted for his work with the actors. Most of the featured players have only a scene or two, but they're indelible.

Sep 26, 2002

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Joanne Laurier

World Socialist Web Site

Penn has accommodated himself to the political and artistic status quo in an unfortunate manner.

Mar 5, 2021

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PJ Nabarro

Patrick Nabarro

Penn intrinsically understands that there can be no epiphanies nor catharsis, as important portents and clues go unanswered as Black drifts into the mire of his obsession.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 2, 2018

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Blake Howard

Graffiti With Punctuation

It's "one last ride" for our leading character Jerry Black (Nicholson), until he abandons the case and retires. It examines a man trying to relinquish his deduction instincts in exchange for a slippery grip on a 'normal' life.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 9, 2017

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Nandakumar G

A well intended retirement plan of a good honest humane police officer's ❤️‍🩹 heart breaking ending.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/30/24

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Paul C

One of Jack Nicholson's best performances. The supporting cast is just excellent and the Direction by Sean Penn was as expected, meaning superb. This is not a murder mystery. This is a character study of a man's descent into madness and obsession. The irony in the ending is shocking and devestating. If you love film, good film, and know the difference between good film and just movies, this film is for you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/23/24

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Audience Member

Horrendous movie. Just horrible. Probably the worst movie I have seen. Bad story line and the movie super slow for 1,5 hours only - in the end - to jump over important elements in a matter of seconds. The cinematography is dreadful, too - even with a 2001-standard. Do not watch it.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

10/13/24

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Michael T

I thought it was a very good movie all the way up until the end which dropped it two stars. Ridiculous ending; very unsatisfying and disappointing.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/08/24

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Patrick M

Just like life, things are not always resolved and good people do stupid things.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/29/24

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Bryan B

Open end. 2 hours for nothing. No killer identified.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

09/25/24

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Sean Penn

Director

Jack Nicholson

Jerry Black

Robin Wright

Lori

Aaron Eckhart

Sam Krolak

Patricia Clarkson

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Synopsis

On the day of his retirement, detective Jerry Black (Jack Nicholson) accepts a gift -- an airline ticket to Mexico. But when the body of a murdered eight-year-old girl is discovered in the mountains, Jerry offers his expertise at the crime scene. When an ambitious younger cop wrenches a dubious confession from a simple-minded suspect, the case is closed... but not for Jerry.

Director: Sean Penn
Producer: Sean Penn, Elie Samaha, Michael Fitzgerald
Screenwriter: Friedrich Dürrenmatt, Jerzy Kromolowski, Mary Olson-Kromolowski
Distributor: E Stars Films, Warner Bros.
Production Co: Clyde Is Hungry Productions, Morgan Creek Productions, Warner Bros., Franchise Pictures, Pledge Productions Inc.
Rating: R (Sexuality|Language|Some Violence)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 19, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $19.7M
Runtime: 2h 4m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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