The Sunset Limited

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The Sunset Limited

TV-MA

2011

1h 31m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

68%

Tomatometer

28 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

A spiritual man (Samuel L. Jackson) and a suicidal professor (Tommy Lee Jones) have a philosophical debate.

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Critics Consensus

The Sunset Limited's ambition is undercut by arch dialogue and a claustrophobic setting, but Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson's dueling performances bring heft to this battle of wills.

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Nancy DeWolf Smith

Wall Street Journal

08/07/2020

The contest between the two men can be painful -- but is it meant to be laughable too?

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Christian Blauvelt

Entertainment Weekly

08/07/2020

If The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada didn't already convince you that the man can direct, Jones' take on Sunset Limited proves his directorial skill.

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John Doyle

Globe and Mail

08/07/2020

Both actors go at it with gusto, often a tad too much gusto. This is one of those cases of serious theatrical material that would have benefited from being expanded for TV. Still, McCarthy devotees will adore it.

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Joe Cunningham

Radio Times

08/07/2020

4/5

It's clear that this is a work whose natural home is on the stage. However, the two veteran actors are superb and more than justify the material being brought to the screen.

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OC Register Staff

Orange County Register

08/07/2020

The viewpoints make this production powerful. McCarthy's created a script where both positions come with very valid arguments. The discussions ring with a truthfulness because of the stars' skillful acting.

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Chris Knight

National Post

08/07/2020

Part of what makes [this pairing] so enjoyable is their shared history. Jackson and Jones worked together in 2000's Rules of Engagement, but there's also a pale shadow of Jackson's Bible-quoting assassin from Pulp Fiction in his character.

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Danuel W

@Dantzuboi1993 Dec 17

Seeing the battle of minds between Samuel L. Jackson's and Tommy Lee Jones' characters is something that is a really fresh take in terms of films for me. I really love the tension that's built between Samuel Jackson's enthusiastic and optimistic start and the final comeback of Tommy Lee Jones' cynical worldview. Really great concept!

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Sameir A

Sep 9

My very favorite cast, yet, I don't get the movie. May be it was too intellectual for me. It failed to grip me to the story.

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Adam J

Mar 14

The actors saved the film but the battle of wills made it worth watching. I guess the end left me a little flat because the darkness seems to win...but I guess sometimes it does.

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Gal H

11/30/2023

I love this movie, this movie isn't for everybody, I guess you have to love philosophy and discussions but this two actors are doing an amazing job carrying the movie on their backs.

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Shioka O

11/28/2022

Interesting to see the two movie star in this play adaptation.

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Justin W

@Loonsan 05/17/2022

Not sure it is worth the high rating, it's just 2 man's conversation in a box.

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Synopsis

A spiritual man (Samuel L. Jackson) and a suicidal professor (Tommy Lee Jones) have a philosophical debate.

Director: Tommy Lee Jones
Production Co: HBO Films
Rating: TV-MA (L)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 4, 2016
Runtime: 1h 31m

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