Review of Dead Man Walking (1995) by Jake G — 09 Sep 2012

Sarandon's best work. Penn's unlikable convict is crucial to creating the tension around which the film's central questions revolve. The film's anti-death penalty position works because it focuses on human beings rather than arguments, refusing to avoid the pain on either side of the ledger.

And best of all, it offers its portrait of humanity through a religious figure, giving increased weight to the tragedy of state-sanctioned killing, as well as offering hope in spite of it. Also, great music.