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A Lesson Before Dying

Play trailer Poster for A Lesson Before Dying PG-13 1999 1h 41m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.

Critics Reviews

View All (5) Critics Reviews
John Leonard New York Magazine/Vulture 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 Feb 5, 2018 Full Review Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com This riveting drama stands far above most straight-to-tube efforts; in fact, its many virtues surpass many films that receive theatrical release. Rated: 3.5/4 Jan 12, 2007 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 2/5 Jul 7, 2005 Full Review Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice Rated: 3/5 Mar 27, 2004 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews What the film lacked was a tension; everything seemed too dry and predictable except for the theme, which was right on the money. Rated: B- Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (22) audience reviews
steve d The lesson wasn't worth it even if the acting is strong. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member 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💖😇! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Audience Member The acting in this moving film is great, showing how both main characters grow from this intense experience. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member 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!! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member 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! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member This show was nice, but sad. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews
A Lesson Before Dying

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

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