Christian Slater,
Kevin Bacon,
Gary Oldman,
Embeth Davidtz,
William H. Macy
... see more 
This shocking prison drama was inspired by a true story. In 1938, Henri Young (Kevin Bacon), sentenced to Alcatraz for stealing $5, attempted to escape from prison with three other prisoners. One of t... read more
Directed by: Marc Rocco
Release Date: June 1, 1994
Keywords:
true story,
kevin bacon,
gary oldman,
christian slater,
Kevin Bacon ,
Gary Oldman ,
Christian Slater ,
Henri Young
DVD Release Date: June 22, 1999
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Stats: 837 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (837)
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December 19, 2011James Stamphill: Unlike many men who lived long after, Henry Young did not die in vain. In the end he was not afraid. He lived and he died in triumph. If only we could all do that.
"One broke his silence. The other broke the system."
I did not for the most part like Murder in ... read more -
May 28, 2011I thought this was just another boring prison drama, but it is based on a true story, which makes it slightly more interesting. If you like prison dramas, you'll like it better than me.
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November 29, 2009Outstanding!
Trivia:
The producers wanted authenticity so Bacon, Slater and Oldman spent some of their free time locked in jail cells while the movie was being filmed. Kevin Bacon even lost twenty pounds for his role as the Alcatraz inmate. -
July 15, 2008Great cast. Not sure how much of this movie is 'acurate', it almost sounds like in real life it was just some lame way to keep a guy from dying, but I'm sure it was a pretty awful place. This will help expand to me some more great actors to the 'Seven Degrees of Keven Bacon' game.
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March 1, 2008This is a bit on the graphic side, and It has a bittersweet ending -- Kevin's character gave his life to fix the broken prison system -- Christian Slater was also very good --
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August 13, 2007A rewatch, enjoyed it much better than my first viewing, interesting to learn about Alcatraz and the story was inspired by true events.
Kevin Bacon plays a very good role in this as a petty criminal imprisioned for a small crime, who suffers bad treatment at the hands of the p... read more -
August 11, 2007A realistic visit to Alcatraz with poor Kevin Bacon suffering through it all. Very cold movie without much cheer.
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June 26, 2007A good legal film, I think it's based on a true story. Whilst on Alcatraz an inmate guilty of stealing $5 of sweets as a boy, commits murder after spending ages in solitary confinement. Is he to blame or the brutal regime? Great performance from Kevin Bacon.
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December 11, 2006Gripping courtroom drama based on a true story of mistreatment of prisoners that led to the closure of Alcatraz. Kevin Bacon is magnificent as the broken shell of a man caught in the middle of events much larger than himself.
Critic Reviews
April 12, 2002
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
More than likely you will forgive the compromises -- the story of Henri Young needed to be told.
February 13, 2001
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
Woefully over-manipulative and over-the-top. Full Review
January 1, 2000
Stanley Kauffmann, New Republic
It's a struggle for Bacon -- and I'm not doubting the facts of the matter -- because the part is so clearly designed to knock us out; but Bacon is honest, in touch with Young's sources or lack of them.
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
A reasonably exhilarating hybrid of prison movie and courtroom drama. Full Review
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Regardless of how this version raises the hackles of Alcatraz aficionados, Marc Rocco's movie is a solid and affecting example of film making. Full Review
January 1, 2000
Rita Kempley, Washington Post
Though based on a true story, this grueling drama is peopled by characters that have been fictionalized into big house cliches. Full Review
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Slater, who in certain shots looks curiously like Kevin Costner, is an actor with talent, but he is too young for this role, and not confident enough to dial down a little. Full Review
January 1, 2000
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
An example of what happens when a picture has everything going for it except good writing and good direction. Full Review
January 2, 2011
Sarah Wenk, Common Sense Media
Moving story of justice but too intense for kids. Full Review
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Murder in the First
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