Rating: 
Summary: IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED?
Review: Okay, I already wrote a review on here, but I need to make one point, having just peeked at some new reviews here complaining about this movie (which claims to be non-fiction) coming across as ficticious. You can nit-pick if you want, about what happened where etc etc, but the story depicted in this movie is not one so farfetched that its impossible to imagine it happening in some juvenille detention center in the country. Not only is it something which probably did happen, but its probably something which still happens (though many will be quick to disagree with me). It's an ugly axium of human civilization - human cruelty and revenge. There have always been stories about it, and there will always be stories about it. This is another one, and a different one, and a very well executed version of one. If one must over look the allegorical nature of this movie, then one can atleast see it as an movie/book inspired by real events - that is not far fetched, and is in fact something seen in the newspapers far more frequently than I'd like to think. Highly reccomended.
Rating: 
Summary: Powerfully Moving, But...
Review: If you tell me a story and make it clear from the start that it's fiction, I'll take it for what it is: fiction. But if you tell me a story and claim that it's true, and I find out that it's not true or its truth is questionable, I'll take that against you. Fair enough, I'm sure you'll agree.Given that framework, the controversy surrounding Sleepers makes rating this entry difficult. The film is based on a book (a first-person account by Lorenzo Carcaterra) that purports to be based on a true story, a claim we have to factor in. But numerous critics have thrown a huge shadow of doubt on the truthfulness of this claim, a counter-claim we also have to factor in. There is no question that Sleepers is a powerfully moving story. It draws you in and never lets you go. It works admirably hard at character development and depth. Few other films succeed at making us feel a certain compassion for two apparently cold-blooded murderers. Or understand why a priest would lie under oath. Or condone a District Attorney's breach of ethics when he takes a case with the intention of losing. Director Barry Levinson's compassionate handling of a very sensitive and complex subject matter is indeed remarkable, matched only by the ensemble cast's performances. But we have to go back to that question of veracity. Carcaterra stands by his story, and he's pretty much out on a limb alone on that. On the other hand, the critics (and we're not talking here about the literary type) are legion. That naturally makes us lean more towards the doubters' side. But can we say with absolute certainty that they're right? Or that Carcaterra is right, for that matter? The fact is, that burning question will probably continue to do just that -- burn -- for the rest of our lives. And that is unfortunate. If the book and the movie never made this "based on a true story" claim, I would give it five stars without batting an eyelash. But because I simply cannot go along with the school of thought that says, "whether it's true or not is irrelevant, just enjoy the movie," I have to take away one star. The four remaining are for the sheer power of a compellingly-told, albeit controversial story.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent story, excellent actors!
Review: I loved this movie! As hard as some parts were to watch, it grabbed ahold of me and didn't let go from beginning to end. I have NO idea where this idea of "homophobic revenge" came from though. Personally I don't think it had anything to do with pedophilia or homosexuality....I think it had to do with power and control. The reviewers who said the boys were out for homophobic revenge....I wonder what they would have called it if it had been young girls or woman getting raped and beat and abused in an institution instead of boys? Anyways, this isn't a movie for people out for something light or fun, this is a movie to make you think and feel, and you WILL feel.
Rating:
Summary: Saw it in the movie theater when it came out
Review: One of the best movies I have ever seen. A superb cast, Robert DeNito shines through even though he has a rather small part. The story is poignant. And even though at the end,the boys did get their revenge, you realize that they have been scarred for life anyway.
Rating:
Summary: The Best, Silliest, Saddest, and Most Heart-breaking Movie
Review: I can't put into words how to describe this movie. The best way is in the title for this review. "Sleepers" is about four boys growing up in 'Hell's Kitchen' (New York) during the '60s.The four boys, Lorenzo, aka Shakes, Michael, John, and Tommy, pull a prank on a man who sells hot-dogs for a living. The prank goes terribly wrong. I don't want to give too much information about how and what happened for them to be sent away. But they are sent away, to a reform school for boys. There they are brutalized in every way imaginable and unimaginable. They endure repeated rapes, beatings, torture, and in one part they had to eat off the floor. This movie just breaks my heart every time I see it. I've even got the book. I really urge anyone who loves this movie, to read the book also if you haven't already. A warning though, it's even more graphic than the movie itself. Both, the movie and book, literally made me sob. It was hard to imagine how these boys' lives were stolen from them and how gruesome it was. I have seen this movie about 5-7 times since I saw it first a little less than a year ago. It still makes me cry. But with peformances by Dusin Hoffman and Robert de Niro it kind lifted my spirits. People say that this is not a true story even though there is enought evidence, for me, to say that it is in fact true. I truly don't know what else to say other than this is a masterpiece and a true heart breaker.
Rating:
Summary: an amazing account of real incidents
Review: Sleepers is based on the true story of 4 boys in 1967 New York who almost kill an innocent bystander when they steal a hot dog cart as a joke. They go to juvenile hall and are repeatedly abused -- in every way possible -- by the head warden Nokes (Kevin Bacon). Ten years on, two of the boys (now men) happen upon Nokes in a diner, where they murder him in cold blood. The other two men, the proest they have known growing up, and a down-at-the-heels lawyer all rally forth to defend them in court. This is a harrowing, often-frightening movie of four boys lost in a system that does not care to protect their rights as they are reformed. The all-star cast includes Brad Pitt, Jason Patric, Robert de Niro, Dustin Hoffman and Minnie Driver, and is directed by notable producer/director/writer and American University alumni Barry Levinson.
Rating:
Summary: Saw this when it first came out in 93' and decided to share
Review: "SLEEPERS" HAS TO BE ONE OF THE GREATEST MOVIES I'VE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE! It is filled with so much emotion that will carry you for years to come. The plot could be a little offensive to some and rumors of the alleged pseudo story should not keep you from experiencing this magnificent masterpiece. This is a movie not to be missed! All characters are unique in their own way, but also connecting in their aspirations. The four young boys deliver a performance of innocense that make you want to reach in and give your life to them. When they grow old, the shattered innocense is still evident in their faces, demeanors, and even action. They have more determination to finally seek the revenge they so yearned for and not even arrogant revenge - sweet revenge. Revenge that no one I know would feel differently about. I guarantee the characters feelings will soon be transformed into your own. One of Brad Pitt's greatest movies; Jason Patrick's tender quality; Billy Crudup's first encounter with serious acting before "Almost Famous"; Ron Eldered is great with remaining inner turmoil; All four young stars are excellent also with one of Brad Renfro's best movies; Robert De Niro's talent never fails as the boy's priest trying to set their lives in the right direction; Also one of Minnie Drivers' gentle performances. The acting and musical direction connect to bring you scenes that are just plain - beautiful. Barry Levinson creates such scenes to enliven the passion you never knew you had. The movie ends and begins with the four friends who were succumbed to sexual, physical, and verbal abuse winning a dance competition. Additionally, with some narraration that will catch your intuition with deliberate interest. Throught the movie, you follow the agony associated with losing the innocense that once made the value of your life. You follow Shakes, John, Tommy, and Michael through a journey of once achieving the one thing that can alleviate some pain of their experiences - revenge. I implore you to take the time to watch this movie and read the book (because it can even be much better than the movie if one can believe that) and i promise you won't miss out on life - you might gain realizations and insight into your own. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Guaranteed to reveal inner emotions and connect with the characters on a level beyond your expectations. Read the book ... Watch the movie ... and it will remain one of your greates experiences ever. Guaranteed. GO NOW...I PROMISE!
Rating:
Summary: An Eye For An Eye?......
Review: This review refers to the Warner Bros. DVD edition of "Sleepers"..... "Sleepers" is a dark and disturbing film. It is one that will leave you thinking about it for some time afterwards. Not only thinking about the film itself, but maybe about the judicial system as we know it as well. It's a story of friendship. It's a story of abuse. It's a story of Revenge!... Hell's Kitchen, late 1960's, four young teens on a dare, decide to pull off a horrible prank. Their actions nearly cost a man his life, and another his life's work. The court tries them, and sends them off to the "Wilkinson School for Boys" where they are to be "rehabilitated". Here at the school, they find themselves the victims of the most despicable crimes against human beings one could imagine. The guards, primarly led by Nokes, the most evil of all, cruelly abuse the boys physically, mentally and sexually. Their childhood slips away in those terrifying dark nights, and they make a pact never to discuss it again. Fifteen years later, we now see them as adults. The time spent at the Wilkinson School, has left it's mark on these four men.
Two are bitter, tough, criminal types. One works for a newspaper, and one is a lawyer. All have never forgotten, the wrongs done them, but keep it buried deep inside. Buried deep, until the day Nokes makes the fatal mistake of being in the same restaurant as two of them.As they recognize him, we can feel their anger rising, and they take matters into their own hands. An intricate plan is set in motion to now use the system that destroyed their lives, to uncover the horrible crimes committed at the school and to free them from the charges against them. The courtroom scenes are intense and edge of your seat drama that really have you thinking. When Nokes got his due, we felt the satisfaction they did, we definitely empathize with them BUT..is an eye for eye justice? ... Even their Priest, who has stood behind them all these years must put his faith to the test, when he is asked to be apart of the plan. Director Barry Levinson, brings us this intense and powerful drama, one that will stay with you for a long time. Performances by such greats as Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Bacon, Brad Pitt, Robert Deniro, Jason Patric and Bruno Kirby are intense and realisitic. Billy Crudup, Minnie Driver and young performers Brad Renfro and Joseph Perrino, will touch you as well. A haunting score and excellent camera work add to the powerfulness of the film. It is not a film for everyone though, as I mentioned above some scenes are dark and extremely disturbing. The quality of the DVD is excellent. It is presented in widescreen and Dolby Dig 5.1 Surround. The picture is clear, even in the darker scenes and the muscial score, background and dialouge very good. The only problem is having to turn the disc over about half-way through. This is an intense story, not one that should be interrupted. Other than a theatrical trailer, there are no special features. It may be viewed in French and has subtitles in English, French and Spanish. Thank you...Laurie
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie
Review: Sleepers will trick you. It begins like a funny coming of age movie. Young boys, most of them who are Altar Boys, in Brooklyn checking out girls, snooping in on other peoples confessions, getting into plenty of mischief and basically just being kids (troublemakers but who wasnt, right) and the movie lets you get a good feel of the characters before anything dramatically changes. It lets you grow to like the boys and lets you get a few laughs in. The story follows Tommy, John, Michael and Lorenzo "Shakes" on their shinanigans until something that was meant to be a prank goes terribly wrong. It takes them to a dark path in a youth correctional facility called "wilkensons home for boys" where they are beaten daily, raped daily and during one point you watch one as he is left for dead in solitary confinement. You watch as the boys lives are forever changed. Sleepers is 2 stories connected by the people involved in the story. Michael grows into a successful lawyer, Shakes grows into a writer , and john and tommy turn into notoriously known hardened criminals. One day John and Tommy find one Sean Nokes (a particulary rememberable abusive guard) and fill him from head to toe with bullets. After years of keeping the horrors of Wilkensons a secret to both friends and family, including their best friend Carol (grown up carol played by Mimi Driver, shes AMAZING in this film) and their life long friend and mentor Father Bobby (Robert Deniro). When John and Tommy are convicted of the murder of sean nokes lorenzo and michael are left with a painful decision, let their friends be possibly put to death or get help, help which will require telling their story. The movie follows the trial and choices that are made. One by one the boys, now men are faced with the question "how far will you go to get your and the ones you loves past at rest." YOULL NEVER FORGET SLEEPERS. YOULL NEVER FORGET ANY CHARACTER IN THIS MOVIE AND YOULL NEVER FORGET THAT THIS IS THE TRUE STORY OF THESE BOYS, THIS REALLY HAPPENED.... (sleepers is based on the true story "sleepers" by Lorenzo Carcatera)
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable movie, but... enough with the "true story" line!
Review: Yes, it's a good movie. Yes, "Sleepers" was a good book - BUT bear in mind it was promoted as a "true story" with but one thought in mind: to cause a controversy that would make it a bestseller. Now that everyone whose eyes, ears and brain are operational, knows that "Sleepers" is pure fiction, why does the movie studio still try to market the film as "non fiction"? Watch "Sleepers", by all means, but remember that it's fantasy, not fact.
|
