Killing for one's life seems to be the principle of heaven since ancient times. However, is this principle of heaven still applicable to the present of human civilization? The director wants to issue such a question through this film. But the film does not give a series of legal procedures, court scenes too much performance. The director and screenwriter focused on the portrayal of criminals, nuns, and family members of several parties before and during the execution.
But don't forget, this film is based on the true story of nun Helen Prekin, a perfect image in the film, Susan Sarandon's performance is naturally calm and sincere, approachable and dignified, without any impurities showing a noble clergy. On the other hand, Sean Penn starts with the mental state of the death row prisoner, and interprets the growth of a delinquent teenager from the dialogue and expressions to imprisonment, from claiming that he did not kill all the time, to confessing the crime under the influence and pressure before the final execution. The spiritual redemption does not glorify the bad guy, but makes the audience deeply sympathize with this "devil", because "sometimes, it is not up to you to decide what kind of person you become." It is also because of this that the director has reason to question "killing for life".
But if the question is "kill for life", what about the victim? What about their parents, relatives and friends? What about social security? Who will do their justice?
The director and screenwriter did not give an answer. When the nun knocked on the door of the victim's parents and listened to their pain of losing a loved one, the nun cried with the parents; when the victim's family asked why the nun wanted to help a murderer, she just Cried helplessly and said: Everyone should be respected.
At the end of the film, the criminal shares the courage to admit the crime and cry and repent in the cell. The nun looked at a prodigal son who turned back, a prodigal son who was about to be executed. She was relieved, but she had to be sadder. The film hits a climax.
Then, as a viewer, I, like all other viewers, pondered deeply the questions raised by the film.
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