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Life
1999 108 min United States of America R 16+
★7.0
Comedy, Crime
Director: Ted Demme
Trailers
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Description
Two men in 1930s Mississippi become friends after being sentenced to life in prison together for a crime they did not commit.
Budget:
$80M
US Gross:
$64.02M
Worldwide:
$73.5M
Starring
Eddie Murphy
Actor
Martin Lawrence
Actor
Obba Babatundé
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Key opinion
Life is a bittersweet tragicomedy that balances the comedic chemistry of Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence with a somber narrative about lifelong wrongful imprisonment. While it earns praise for its emotional heart and makeup effects, critics remain divided over whether its blend of humor and systemic drama is a cohesive success or a disjointed tonal experiment.
| Production | The makeup artistry convincingly ages the protagonists across their decades-long prison sentence, earning critical recognition. | |
| Emotion | The film succeeds as a character-driven story about the enduring, soulful bond between two friends unjustly deprived of their lives. | |
| Acting | Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence demonstrate strong chemistry, with many viewers finding their performances to be a career highlight for both actors. | |
| Screenplay | The blend of comedy and drama is polarizing; some appreciate the shift from lighthearted moments to tragedy, while others feel the tonal inconsistency undermines the film's message. | |
| Humor | Opinions on the humor are divided; proponents enjoy the ironic and character-based wit, while critics view the comedic elements as stale, misplaced, or insufficient to handle the serious themes. |