User Score
7.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 39
  2. Negative: 4 out of 39

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  1. LouiseC.
    Sep 5, 2002
    3
    I thought this film like totally sucked, what a waste of three hours of my life... sheesh!!!!
  2. May 30, 2012
    0
    Its was not an easy watch. Sean Penn's character almost never moves from the cell and talks to the nun from through bars. Structuring the film like this leads to a very boring script where nothing happens, it is predictable from start to finish. I would recommend this movie to someone who wants to consider the pro and cons of the death sentence, but it is definitely not an entertaining movie.
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Negative: 2 out of 26
  1. 100
    It's ironic that a film with this title should be among the most vital, alive, and challenging cinema experiences of the year.
  2. An extremely affecting experience, down to the last agonizing moment.
  3. Reviewed by: John Hartl
    90
    Sean Penn gives the most riveting, selfless performance of his career.