Review of Dead Man Walking (1995) by Agustin G — 04 Apr 2010

What is Good and Evil? It's a rather black and white question that you think should deserve a defined answer, but it's much more complex than some dichotomous view. Everyone is capable of the greatest evil, but here is where the story becomes complicated: what is the correct way to represent a man accused of such a hyaenas crime? It is easy to stand up and say, "this man deserves to die," but what real right does one man have over another.

People are not perfect, and everyone falls short, but how can one be truly forgiven if one doesn't admit his/her guilt? Susan plays a nun that must see past the evil that everyone sees, and without judgement, she must stand against ridicule and misunderstanding to see this man out before he is put to death.

She captures the complexity with restraint, and above all else, humanity. On the other side, there is Sean who portray a man that you can't really believe that he's not guilty, but understand just like anyone who has ever been pushed into a corner, lie to save his own hide.

For the most part, you see a man that is remorseless and cold, but it isn't until he tells the truth, that we understand his deep regret and shame. Anyone judge another on bad deeds, but it takes a bigger person to truly forgive like God.

This movie contains very sound and brilliant performances under superb direction of Tim Robbins. This is truly one of the best movies of the 90s without a doubt!