Sleepers [VHS]

Astounding cast, script, director and stellar on every single level.

Those last two statements at the end of the movie seem to make us want tothink so. Excellent acting, very believable well-thought out plot. Perhaps alsotoo any 'nostalgic' scenes, slowed it down a bit. Recommend.

I found this to be an incredibly compelling film, although it took a long time for me to get past the central brutality, and watch it a second and third time. By then, I was hooked.The underlying story is a troubling but familiar one, about young boys growing up in the Hell's Kitchen section of New York. Their lives take them on a huge turn when heir "innocent" prank goes bad. For their crime, they are sentenced to a year in a reform school for troubled boys, ostensibly to keep them from advancing into a life of crime.Unfortunately, the institution is populated by not only brutally sadistic fellow inmates but also with guards who take the boys' remaining innocence and traumatize them. The boys leave, butyears later their paths bring them back across a terrible reminder of their past. The remainder of the film is the turning of the law enforcement system, in which the system itself is shown for what it was, and the way it impacts these individuals.One of the bit players, Frank Medrano as a neighborhood tough guy has the most timeless line of the film: "On the street, justice got no price. She's blind where the judge sits. But she ain't blind out here. Out here, the ... got eyes."Fabulous performances, even if they were critically not acclaimed. Robert DiNero is terrific as a local priest who never gives up hope for "his boys", even to the point of ommitting perjury for them. Kevin Bacon IS the sadistic guard, and there is real joy at seeing his comeuppance. Brad Pitt and Dustin Hoffman appear as dueling lawyers in the courtroom scene, each giving marvelous and understated performances. Ron Eldard steals his scenes as one of the abused boys, all grown up, who serendipitously discovering Bacon in a restaurant has the best line of the movie when Bacon asks him what he wants. His retort, (which I will not quote, to avoid giving away theending) delivered with deadly quiet, and is nothing short of chilling.As another reviewer said, this film is stunning with its insight of boys' institution's and its horrors. It makes one wonder if anyone can ever survive the institution which was supposed to be an alternative to jail for kids.Growing up in New York around the same time as the protagonists, and getting into just a tad of trouble myself, I kept thinking "There but for the Grace of God go I".That alone was enough to make me say "Damn! What a movie"

"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!

I read what the film was about and wasn't to keen on it but watched it just now and as much as I love kevin bacon and his acting this movie really unnerved me I hated kevin been depicticted as a peado and for hurting the 4 young boys the way he did in this film and never have I been happy for him been shot dead in this movie as his crimes was despicable and loved the ending where the boys then grown men got the justice they deserve and closure they needed

Based on a true story this movie is excellent. A great cast comprising of Jason Patric, Brad Pitt, Kevin Bacon, Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro sees a tale of 4 young boys that are sent to a juvenile correction facility after a prank goes badly wrong. The boys are subjected to horrendous abuse during their stay and years later they come face to face with one of their abusers. A story of friendship and revenge this movie is a compelling watch, and is as well acted by the young cast as the experienced ones. 5 stars.

Seen this movie SOOOO many times, brilliant, love it. Whether it's a true story or not - who knows...I believe that at the very least it's something that happens & isn't always brought out into the open & this movie makes people think - maybe even come forward & talk about their experiences. At the most, that it is in fact a true story, but there's too much "controversy" surrounding it.

Brilliant film and one of those that is actually better than the book! Tragic story, and not for everyone, but true about revenge and even justice not ending things. "Closure is an all to frequent pop psych delusion!" Highly recommended. excellent service and delivery, all as described and in excellent condition.

really enjoyed watching this film when it came out, a pleasure to see it again after all this time