Dead Man Walking

Tim Robbins' second directorial effort (after the political satire Bob Roberts) was this drama based on a true story, which explores the issue of capital punishment. Sister Helen Prejean (Susan Sarandon) is a nun and teacher living in rural Louisiana. One day, she receives a letter from Matthew ...more

A startling and provocative achievement, Dead Man Walking manages the not insubstantial feat of making an eloquent statement against the death penalty while refusing to excuse the killer of his crimes. Preferring to make a case for humanity and the capacity for human forgiveness, writer/director Tim Robbins avoids the self-righteous moralizing that often mars "message" movies. Instead of vilifying those on either side of the death penalty issue, he paints an even portrait of the rage, grief, and ...more