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Sleepers
1996 147 min United States of America R 18+
★7.7
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: Barry Levinson
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
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.
Budget:
$44M
US Gross:
$53.32M
Worldwide:
$165.6M
Starring
Robert De Niro
Actor
Kevin Bacon
Actor
Brad Pitt
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1997
— Best Score for a Drama
Key opinion
Sleepers is a heavy, emotionally charged drama featuring a high-profile ensemble cast that explores the lasting trauma of abuse and the ethical complexities of vigilante justice. While audiences are largely moved by the powerful performances and gripping story, critics are divided over the film’s uneven structure and the moral ambiguity of its narrative.
| Acting | The film features a top-tier ensemble cast, with Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, and Kevin Bacon delivering standout, highly praised performances. | |
| Emotion | The narrative effectively portrays the deep psychological trauma inflicted on the protagonists, leaving a lasting emotional impact on the viewer. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided: some view it as a compelling, thought-provoking exploration of justice and morality, while others find the writing thin, naive, and overly reliant on moral clichés. | |
| Pacing | The film's structure creates a pacing imbalance; while the childhood prologue is engaging, many find the subsequent courtroom drama to be overly long, tedious, and lacking momentum. |