A riveting, thought-provoking drama.

| May 13, 2022

Penn plays Matthew with a quiet, feral intensity...

| Oct 21, 2019

Penn and Sarandon in their final moments together achieve a strange transcendence that makes the end of Dead Man Walking sobering and horrifying, yet oddly uplifting.

| May 3, 2018

It's a strong film, made stronger by two terrific performances. Penn's acting has ruthless honesty.

| Feb 23, 2018

Intense '90s death-penalty drama has cursing, violence.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 11, 2017

It doesn't flinch from presenting the crime committed, and yet, it's a film that undoubtedly is against capital punishment.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 12, 2016

It's an important film and a beautifully made film too.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 12, 2016

A powerful and provocative film -- not quite a work of art, maybe, but close enough to demand your respectful attention.

| Jul 19, 2014

Has the distinction of including not one, but two of the greatest screen performances of all time...undeniably one of the most gut-churning emotional experiences of 1990s cinema... [Blu-ray]

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jun 6, 2011

| Original Score: A | Oct 29, 2008

To say that the movie is neither for nor against capital punishment is disingenuous. Still, this is a fine and painful effort overall.

| Original Score: B | Jul 29, 2007

Tim Robbins's balanced yet uncompromising approach refuses to judge any of the characters, including the killer (superlatively played by Sean Penn), instead giving each a fair chance to present their case with dignity and respect.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 10, 2006

Dead Man Walking is one courageous film, one of the very best of its time.

| Original Score: 4/4 | May 26, 2006

The movie is neither indulgent in its portrayal of emotionally-charged subject matter, nor does it shy away from the consequences of murder.

Full Review | Original Score: A+ | Jan 15, 2005

Penn proves once again that he should stop writing and directing and stick to what he does best.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 5, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | May 23, 2003

Dead Man Walking was worth the river of tears I waded through on my way out.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | May 14, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Apr 4, 2003

It takes a truly great film to be so passionate about its viewpoint while still acknowledging and dignifying those who feel differently.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Mar 28, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 20, 2003