Review of Sleepers (1996) by Emma F — 12 Aug 2008

Sleepers provides gripping entertainment, it is a movie about revenge, redemption and society. The movie's star role is Robert DeNiro as Father Bobby, a Catholic priest who recognizes that friendship and loyalty can require sacrifices at the end of the day to protect those he cares for. He uses not only dialogue well but expression throughout to convey his struggle between priesthood and morality and that of serving his friends and bringing justice about. The finale of the movie is both delightful to watch and slow at times however because you really connect with the characters by this stage and are in apprehension about the final outcome, of which is played out perfectly it doesn't matter. The earlier footage of Hell's kitchen is reminiscent of the time period and social community, and reminds me of a more rugged, turbulent 'Stand by Me' in its opening minutes, when we are familiarised with the group of boys who spend all their time together on street adventures and have an appetite for pranks. Bacon plays Nokes the guard who makes their lives hell with months of abuse once they are commanded into a boys school for a prank that goes horribly wrong, this is the key feature of the film, the message?

That something can change your life forever and those around you, it also focus's on the topic of abuse and how this can ruin lives and disconnect people into lives of secrecy. It also shows how people can be true friends forever throughout their whole lives; even when they go onto live their adult lives. It becomes fascinating to see how the law can be manipulated and provide justice at the same time. Sleepers is as well-acted by all those involved it could have easily been a bleak and drudgery watch however the essence is that the themes raised in this film show the legacy of a social community, criminal justice system and the price everyone pays for 'wrong' deeds, a highly memorable and recommended watch.