A Lesson Before Dying

Play trailer

A Lesson Before Dying

PG-13

1999

1h 41m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

80%

Tomatometer

5 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Grant Wiggins (Don Cheadle) is an African-American schoolteacher in the pre-Civil Rights Movement South who feels conflicted about his status as one of the only educated black men in his area. When Grant learns of Jefferson (Mekhi Phifer), a young black man falsely accused of killing a white shop owner, he reluctantly visits the condemned prisoner. Gradually, the two form a friendship, and Grant tries to remind Jefferson of his value as a human being.

John Leonard

New York Magazine/Vulture

02/05/2018

The remarkable Cheadle, stuck teaching in the same school where he'd first dreamed of escaping from Jim Crow to college, is prevailed on by Cicely Tyson and Irma Hall

Go to Full Review

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

01/12/2007

3.5/4

This riveting drama stands far above most straight-to-tube efforts; in fact, its many virtues surpass many films that receive theatrical release.

Go to Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

07/07/2005

2/5

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

03/27/2004

3/5

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

01/01/2000

B-

What the film lacked was a tension; everything seemed too dry and predictable except for the theme, which was right on the money.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

steve d

01/05/2023

The lesson wasn't worth it even if the acting is strong.

See more

02/11/2021

As a native black American I must say that some of the other reviews suggested that the film just may not be black enough? This movie depicted a true native black American Experience that actually but you in the character shoes if you I'm not afraid to experience it. We love you Mrs. Cicely Tyson and we will all miss the gifts that you have brought to all of senses through the Arts! We bow to You Queen! Rest in heaven💖😇!

See more

09/20/2014

The acting in this moving film is great, showing how both main characters grow from this intense experience.

See more

07/28/2013

This book and movie was a required read for my English class. It was a great homework assignment. Thank Mrs. Simonelli. The actors did a great job!! God thank you for where you've brought us from!!

See more

11/17/2011

This is one of those movies that leaves you feeling sad and depressed.....but, are important to watch, so that history does not repeat itself and we move forward instead of back.....excellent story and cast!

See more

09/11/2011

This show was nice, but sad.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Joseph Sargent

Director

Don Cheadle

Grant Wiggins

Cicely Tyson

Tante Lou

Mekhi Phifer

Jefferson

Irma P. Hall

Miss Emma

Brent Jennings

Reverend Ambrose

The Apostle

88%

79%

The Apostle

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Apostle

Tumbleweeds

82%

65%

Tumbleweeds

Watchlist

A Family Thing

73%

72%

A Family Thing

Watchlist

I'm Not Rappaport

40%

60%

I'm Not Rappaport

Watchlist

Molly

13%

52%

Molly

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Grant Wiggins (Don Cheadle) is an African-American schoolteacher in the pre-Civil Rights Movement South who feels conflicted about his status as one of the only educated black men in his area. When Grant learns of Jefferson (Mekhi Phifer), a young black man falsely accused of killing a white shop owner, he reluctantly visits the condemned prisoner. Gradually, the two form a friendship, and Grant tries to remind Jefferson of his value as a human being.

Director: Joseph Sargent
Producer: Robert Benedetti
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Nov 1, 2001
Runtime: 1h 41m