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

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

Aug 7, 2020

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Christian Blauvelt

Entertainment Weekly

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.

Aug 7, 2020

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John Doyle

Globe and Mail

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.

Aug 7, 2020

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Joe Cunningham

Radio Times

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.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 7, 2020

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OC Register Staff

Orange County Register

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.

Aug 7, 2020

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Chris Knight

National Post

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.

Aug 7, 2020

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Sameir A

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.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/09/25

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Adam J

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/14/25

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Gal H

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/30/23

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Shioka O

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

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/28/22

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Audience Member

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

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

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Audience Member

Absolutely amazing film. The dialogue is very rich and a philosophical masterpiece.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

Full Review

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Tommy Lee Jones

Director

Samuel L. Jackson

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Tommy Lee Jones

White

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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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