I had to watch this film at school and thought it was a really good film.
The beginning is a bit slow but it all builds up to a good ending which tackles a big issue about capital punishment.
My favourite part is at the end when Matthew Poncelet is shown to be strapped to the bed in the shape of a cross like jesus. Subtle but very effective!

This film is extraordinary. Moves me to tears everytime. So sensitively expressed. Penns and Sarasons finest hour.

What a truly brilliant film.

No matter what your attitudes towards the death penalty are, this film will no doubt have a profound effect on your conscience.

Acted brilliantly, Penn deserved his Oscar but missed out and Sarandon received and deserved hers too.

Very emotional and harrowing, it will no doubt leave an impression on your soul. When the brutal crime is actually shown in the final stages of the film, no matter how tolerant you are of violence in films (I thought I would be fine), you will either be left in tears, or feel sick to the core and (I almost actually felt sick) potenitally be a changed person.

Someone in my class when we watched this couldn't cope and got up and felt sick in the toilets, people deal with things in different ways, don't let me put you off - everyone should see this film.