Sleepers

1996 "Four friends have made a mistake that will change their lives forever."
Sleepers
7.5| 2h27m| R| en| More Info
Released: 18 October 1996 Released
Producted By: Warner Bros. Pictures
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

Two gangsters seek revenge on the state jail worker who during their stay at a youth prison sexually abused them. A sensational court hearing takes place to charge him for the crimes.

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harriseric-32698 Barry Levinson's Sleepers is a very good legal- crime dramatic feature film starring some great actors who get a change to truly shine through. The premise is that a group of 4 boys are sent to a detention center after committing a crime. Over there they are abused routinely until being let go. Deciding not to go vocal with their abuse, the boys go separate ways. Fast forward a decade and some and two of them kill one of the detention center guard after encountering him in a bar. They are convicted but with the help of the other two friends who are lawyers they are freed. The actors from Brad Pitt, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman and Kevin bacon all give great performances in this Barry Levinson film.
Osmosis Iron Really like this one, such a powerful movie about childhood, friendship, lost innocence, suffering, spirit, hope, freedom and of course revenge... A brilliant film! It has everything: great cast, good story and likeable characters.. why isn't it more famous escapes me!
NateWatchesCoolMovies Barry Levinson's Sleepers is a deliberately paced, downbeat look at revenge, and is one of the most brilliant yet seemingly overlooked dramas of the 90's. Part of it could have been marketing; The cover suggests blistering violence, confrontation and courtroom intrigue. While there are such moments within the narrative, they live to serve the story, which Levinson and his dream cast are doggedly intent on telling. It's a sombre affair to be sure, slow and methodical as well, but never to be confused with boring. It's just such a great story, one that unfolds exactly as it needs to. It starts in the 1950's, where four young rapscallions run wild on the streets of Manhatten. It kicks the story off with a sort of urban Stand By Me vibe, and if you thought that film went to some heavy placed, stick around through Sleepers. When an innocent prank ends in tragedy, the four are sent to an austere children's correctional facility, where they run afoul of some sadistic and abusive guards, led by Kevin Bacon, who is scummier than scum itself. They endure months of ritual abuse at the hands of these sickos, until their eventual release. Life goes on, as it must, the four boys grow up and follow very different paths from one another. Michael (Brad Pitt) becomes an esteemed lawyer. Shakes (Jason Patric) lives a quiet life, while Tommy (Billy Crudup, wonderfully cast against type) and John (Ron Eldard) take a darker road to drugs and crime. Eventually their past rears it's head, and they are presented with an opportunity for much delayed revenge. It doesn't all play out the way you may think though, and half the fun of this one is being surprised by geniunly lifelike plot turns and characters who behave as real humans would. Pitt is the highlight in a performance of quiet torment. Dustin Hoffman is fun as a washed up lawyer who gets involved, Minnie Driver shows up as a tough NYC gal who gets involved with Patric, Robert De Niro has a nice bit as a kindly priest who counsels the boys even until adulthood, and there's further supporting work from Jonathan Tucker, Bruno Kirby, Frank Medrano, Brad Renfro, Terry Kinney and more. Levinson usually takes on bright, chipper comedies and razor sharp political satire. With Sleepers he deviates into tragic dramatic material, and shows his versatility excellently. This one gets grim, no doubt about it. However, it's a story not only worth the telling, but worth the watching for us.
Richie-67-485852 You don't see this one coming, but when it does, it lands with a boom! After that, you are wanting the butterflies in your stomach to take a much needed break. From that moment, a movie watching glue kicks in between the viewer and the movie and entertainment is born but of a special kind. To some, the subject matter may be to strong to their liking. To others, they want the truth be known regardless of the pain involved. Interesting at how the players in the movie win you over and you do form a opinion and accept as well as reject some of the roles being played in the movie. That's what good acting and story telling under decent directing does. It makes your emotions come alive sort of borrowing them for bit so it can shake them up and give them back so you can calm them. Take heart, while you go up and down through out the movie, it does end on a satisfying but sober note of some sort. I will leave that experience to you. Snack and tasty drink recommended and there is a sing a long at the end which is optional and unforgettable...LOL Enjoy...I did