A Lesson Before Dying

PG-13

1999

1h 41m

Drama

List

80%

Tomatometer

5 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Grant Wiggins (Don Cheadle) is an African-American schoolteacher in the pre-Civil Rights Movement South who feels conflicted about his status as one of the only educated black men in his area. When Grant learns of Jefferson (Mekhi Phifer), a young black man falsely accused of killing a white shop owner, he reluctantly visits the condemned prisoner. Gradually, the two form a friendship, and Grant tries to remind Jefferson of his value as a human being.

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John Leonard

New York Magazine/Vulture

The remarkable Cheadle, stuck teaching in the same school where he'd first dreamed of escaping from Jim Crow to college, is prevailed on by Cicely Tyson and Irma Hall

Feb 5, 2018

Full Review

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

This riveting drama stands far above most straight-to-tube efforts; in fact, its many virtues surpass many films that receive theatrical release.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jan 12, 2007

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jul 7, 2005

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

Rated: 3/5

Mar 27, 2004

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

What the film lacked was a tension; everything seemed too dry and predictable except for the theme, which was right on the money.

Rated: B-

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

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steve d

The lesson wasn't worth it even if the acting is strong.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

As a native black American I must say that some of the other reviews suggested that the film just may not be black enough? This movie depicted a true native black American Experience that actually but you in the character shoes if you I'm not afraid to experience it. We love you Mrs. Cicely Tyson and we will all miss the gifts that you have brought to all of senses through the Arts! We bow to You Queen! Rest in heaven💖😇!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The acting in this moving film is great, showing how both main characters grow from this intense experience.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This book and movie was a required read for my English class. It was a great homework assignment. Thank Mrs. Simonelli. The actors did a great job!! God thank you for where you've brought us from!!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is one of those movies that leaves you feeling sad and depressed.....but, are important to watch, so that history does not repeat itself and we move forward instead of back.....excellent story and cast!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This show was nice, but sad.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

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Joseph Sargent

Director

Don Cheadle

Grant Wiggins

Cicely Tyson

Tante Lou

Mekhi Phifer

Jefferson

Irma P. Hall

Miss Emma

Brent Jennings

Reverend Ambrose

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Synopsis

Grant Wiggins (Don Cheadle) is an African-American schoolteacher in the pre-Civil Rights Movement South who feels conflicted about his status as one of the only educated black men in his area. When Grant learns of Jefferson (Mekhi Phifer), a young black man falsely accused of killing a white shop owner, he reluctantly visits the condemned prisoner. Gradually, the two form a friendship, and Grant tries to remind Jefferson of his value as a human being.

Director: Joseph Sargent
Producer: Robert Benedetti
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Nov 1, 2001
Runtime: 1h 41m