maartendeveirman This movie shows the all-round quality of Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. This movie show they can play more than only comedy. The storyline gives us as well an image of racism in that time. Racism is still current in the present day. Keep on fighting against racism!!!!

tieman64 "Life" is one of Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence's better movies, a funny and at times poignant comedy about two small time crooks who are wrongfully convicted of murder and given a life sentence at a South Mississippi prison. Without seeming pretentious, the film dips into various social, even contemporary issues, dealing comically with police perjury, corrupt/disinterested judicial systems, incompetent defence lawyers, institutionalized racism, a legal system which leaves defendants hanging, the sanctioning and covering up of injustices, shattered dreams and an underclass who are oppressed by a criminal justice system for the system's own social/political benefit. Mostly, though, the film's an excuse for Lawrence and Murphy to drop some F bombs. To date it's Murphy's last R rated movie.With moments of overbearing sentimentality the films at times seems to pander to the "Shawshank Redemption" crowd, but much foul mouthed humour, wisecracks and buddy banter help offset this.8/10 – With "Bowfinger" and "Life", 1999 was perhaps Murphy's last respectable year as a comedian. Worth one viewing.

hot_in_pink_hate_red I thought this movie was funny, but also serious as well. Showing how it was back in the late 30s when African Americans were framed for crimes they never committed and were throw in jail. Another thing it showed was how only a few African Americans could read and write. The film is very accurate when it depicts the life of African Americans who have been imprisoned wrongfully.Eddie Murphy's portrayal of Ray Gibson is flawless and touching, showing how he can be funny, tough, difficult, but loving at times. Martin Lawrence portrayal of Claude Banks is flawless as well, making as a believably imitated, hopeful, intellectual, dignified, and at times... heartbroken man. The late Bernie Mac short portrayal of a Gay inmate is funny and helps reminds you that this film is also a Comedy, not just a Drama. Th rest of the cast is good as well in both being funny and serious.Eddie's Dramatic acting is just as good as his Comedic acting and must NEVER be ignored!

jepk The story is brilliant, Eddie Murphy we have already seen being multi-faceted but now Martin Lawrence matches him. Who knew! I put off seeing movies like this knowing that I'm going to cry and feel sad, but this movie has just the right balance of educating you on the oppression with some laughs. It shows you how their situation was complete bs, they still had to find a way to live. I am so glad it was on TV tonight and now need to get a copy of it unbleeped lol! I can't imagine what it felt like for this cast to take on these roles and experience such unfairness but I really understand now why actors are called brave to take some roles.