Sleepers

"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!

With a gripping story, augmented by the moral and ethical dilemmas of a lawyer, a journalist, and a priest, Barry Levinson's SLEEPERS is heart-pounding drama at its finest. Set in New York's Hell's Kitchen--with all of its subsequent turbulence and socioeconomic dysfunction--this film tells the story of four boys, four lifelong pals, who are sadistically brutalized in a reform school and carry the scars into their adult lives.It comes as no surprise that two of the four embark on a problematic life of crime; it comes as even less of a surprise that when a former reform school guard is seen eating in a diner the two men extract a brutal and bloody revenge.At this point SLEEPERS embarks on a breathless course of twists and turns, with one underlying, consistent theme: the unbroken bond of friendship. With their friends on trial for murder, the other two men, a prosecuting attorney (Brad Pitt) and a journalist (Jason Patric) put their careers and reputations on the line to exonerate the defendants--who are indeed guilty of murder--and to malign the former guard who was killed. The stage is set for courtroom drama that is literally spellbinding.Kevin Bacon, Jason Patric, Brad Pitt, and Minnie Driver are exceptional in this film, but the cast is trumped by two "oldtimers," Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro. Hoffman plays an alcoholic defense attorney in over his head for the trial, while De Niro--as a loving priest who has been a father figure to all four of the boys--faces a titanic decision as he is called to testify as an important witness. The acting is compelling and absorbing, and so is the story. SLEEPERS is about as good as a drama can get.--D. Mikels

My mistake, dont know what I was thinking however this was an excellent movie, of course pitifully sad and gutwrenching for these unfortunate young boys. I believe somewhere this has actually happened resulting in 2 destroyed & damaged lives.

This movie, based on the controversial bestseller, was written for the screen and directed by Barry Levinson. I love any movie with Robert DeNiro. He has a relatively small, albeit a central role as "Father Bobby" in this engrossing, often heart wrenching story of four young friends from New York Hell's Kitchen. When a prank they play results in tragic consequences they are sentenced to a "Boy's Reform School", which is run by corrupt, sadistic guards. The treatment they must endure to survive, brings their childhood to an abrupt end and changes their lives forever. There are Excellent Performances by all including those by Brad Pitt & Jason Patric. Kevin Bacon gives an awesome performance as a "sadistic guard"- really twisted. Dustin Hoffman, is perfect in his role as a washed up attorney with an alcohol/cocaine problem, who is hired by the "MOB". He his told he MUST not drink or do cocaine, as he has to win the case. Minnie Driver plays her part in such a way that it adds to the story and the tone

This movie is definitely a journey through a time when people didn't realize what was going on around them. Good acting and great actors. I love true stories.

This DVD only plays in region 3. DON'T buy it.

Well made but not to be misconstrued. The movie takes license in its characters and lets you be left to decide what is moral and ethical in revenge. I for got the feeling I was fortified in my opposition to it for one. See it yourself. You don't have to like it. That's the good part.

dvd arrived on time and was in excellent condition; I ordered the dvd because Sleepers is one of my favoritefilms which I watch every few months