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The Sunset Limited

Play trailer Poster for The Sunset Limited TV-MA 2011 1h 31m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Sunset Limited

The Sunset Limited

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review Joe F This movie has held a spot in my top ten favorite movies for years now. The simple nature of phenomenal writing propelled this movie to such heights in my eyes. On top of that, having two stars who bring such gravitas to the characters makes every word they say something your latch onto and ingest fully. There was no need for extra special sets, no need for CGI, just a couple actors and a monumental script working their magic and I loved every second of it. Thank you to all involved with this underrated, underrecognized movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/04/23 Full Review Shioka O Interesting to see the two movie star in this play adaptation. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/28/22 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Audience Member One of the best movies of the 21st century, no doubt about it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Sunset Limited

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

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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