Dead Man Walking (1995) Dir.Tim Robbins

Tim Robbins directs a film based on a true account of a nuns relationship with a convicted murderer and rapist.

Susan Sarandon gives a stunning performance as Sister Helen Prejean, hailing from a wealthy background she lives a modest life in the ghetto of Louisiana. She is drawn to the case of Matthew Poncelete a convict on death row. She begins visiting him at prison and offering spiritual guidance when his appeal falls through.

Sean Penn plays the convicted murderer, he claims he is innocent and was merely present at the murder until Sister Helen encourages him to confess.

"The truth will set you free"

A very tricky film to produce but Tim Robbins works with it very well by celebrating forgiveness and provoking deep thought amongst the audience. Sean Penn manages to provoke sympathy to his chracter. Perhaps empathy. Here is an ill educated man who admits to the brutal crime, does he surely deserve to die?

Sister Helen has a confrontation with the victims parents and this scene proves the film to be very open minded and objective with the issue at hand. However the ending of the film is one of the most emotional and remarkable scenes in in film history.
As Matthew is strapped to the table he is elevated by the guards to the window where the witnesses including Sister Helen are sat and delivers his brutally honest and heart breaking speech.

The film focuses on the pros and cons of the death penalty but ends with the encouragement of forgiveness and compassion. A genuine film with an excellent cast and director. Tim Robbins keeps the film faithful to the real life book by Sister Helen. Hope, forgiveness and political injustice surrounds this film.

10/10