Sleepers
Two gangsters seek revenge on the state jail worker who during their stay at a youth prison sexually abused them. A sensational court hearing takes place to charge him for the crimes.
Critics Sentiment
Father Bobby provides false alibi testimony for acquittal
Guards brutally rape all four boys before release
The film swings dramatically from its lowest point during the brutal abuse sequences to its highest during Father Bobby's morally complex testimony.
Sleepers follows a powerful emotional arc from nostalgic childhood innocence through devastating institutional abuse to cathartic revenge. The film's middle section depicting the boys' torture represents its most disturbing and lowest-rated content, while the courtroom drama and moral complexity of the final act earned the highest praise from critics. Despite some pacing issues and an overly long runtime, reviewers consistently praised the performances and emotional authenticity.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 71
Kevin Bacon
Nokes
Robert De Niro
Father Bobby
Dustin Hoffman
Danny Snyder
Bruno Kirby
Shakes' Father
Jason Patric
Shakes
Brad Pitt
Michael
Minnie Driver
Carol
Brad Renfro
Young Michael
Ron Eldard
John
Billy Crudup
Tommy
Vittorio Gassman
King Benny
Terry Kinney
Ralph
Frank Medrano
Fat Mancho
Jonathan Tucker
Young Tommy
Geoffrey Wigdor
Young John
Joe Perrino
Young Shakes
Peter Appel
Boyfriend
Joseph Attanasio
Male Juror
Gerry Becker
Forensics Expert
Casandra Brooks
Young John's Mother
Crew
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