Penn has accommodated himself to the political and artistic status quo in an unfortunate manner.

| Mar 5, 2021

Penn intrinsically understands that there can be no epiphanies nor catharsis, as important portents and clues go unanswered as Black drifts into the mire of his obsession.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 2, 2018

It's "one last ride" for our leading character Jerry Black (Nicholson), until he abandons the case and retires. It examines a man trying to relinquish his deduction instincts in exchange for a slippery grip on a 'normal' life.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 9, 2017

[Penn] sustains a mesmerizing intensity while relentlessly building toward an emotionally wrenching climax.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jul 18, 2014

Sean Penn's agonizing, angst-ridden "The Pledge" feels like a mystery less about murder and more about the inexplicable dangers of impulse and guilt. It's also a waning opportunity to see Jack Nicholson as anything besides a silver-haired hornball.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Sep 17, 2010

Its grip is on the mind but not the heart--a problem for a film that clearly aims for some emotional impact.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Mar 26, 2010

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 7, 2008

Nicholson rules over "The Pledge" with a shaky hand, and that's the source of his power here.

| Original Score: A | Sep 22, 2007

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 14, 2007

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 30, 2006

After two honorable failures, Sean Penn makes quantum leap forward with an intriguing murder mystery that's also effective as a psychological character study. Nicholosn's riveting turn compensates for deliberate pacing and downbeat tone.

| Original Score: B | Oct 8, 2006

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 6, 2005

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 6, 2005

Penn shows restraint and patience, letting the actors discover moments, rhythms, and quirks that make their characters believable.

| Original Score: A- | Jan 15, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | May 14, 2003

É uma pena que nem todos tenham paciência para tentar compreender melhor Jerry Black. Tenho certeza de que, no futuro, este será lembrado como um dos personagens mais marcantes da bela carreira de Jack Nicholson.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | May 2, 2003

Penn has moulded a patient but deeply unsettling character study, leaving the viewer with more questions than answers.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 13, 2003

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Feb 8, 2003

Emotionally powerful film of rare and grave subtlety.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 8, 2002

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 8, 2002