“Being male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of age. But being a gentleman is a matter of choice.” says #VinDiesel. #RobertDeNiro #KevinBacon #DustinHoffman #BradPitt what an awesome star cast that is wouldn’t you say? Yes this all-stars cast does put in a stellar performance to take this rather average movie up several notches. More importantly, this is the story of toxic masculinity that is often swept under the carpet. Often touted as a true story from writer #LorenzoCarcaterra, the veracity of this is doubtful but it is indeed a painful story that will make you squirm.
Four boys from New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen play a prank that goes horribly wrong, injuring a man. They are thrown into a detention hall where they are brutalized by the guards. Several years later, two out of the quartet spot a former tormentor and have the opportunity for revenge.
The younger cast who play the younger boys put in the best performance of the lot. #KevinBacon as the creepy Nokes is perhaps the best of the seniors. #DeNiro has an amazing aura around him as he plays Father Bobby whose stern values are in sharp contrast to the mob-oriented values of the neighbourhood. The tension between both sets of values and which one will prevail sets up great drama. The courtroom scenes are also gripping. #DustinHoffman plays the has-been lawyer Danny Snyder and brings a special touch to the character. #JasonPatric plays Shakes, one of the boys and #BradPitt plays Michael who goes on to work as Assistant District Attorney.
The soundtrack stands out and the re-creation of the 1960s milieu makes for fascinating viewing.
#Sleepers features some disturbing scenes of physical abuse and while these may not be suitable for all audiences, it is worth a watch. Questions about male torture, rape and the dilemma over values are raised amidst what is otherwise a clumsy script redeemed by some fantastic performances all round. Watch it on #Netflix
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