The Death Penalty: A Controversial Issue; Dead Man Walking

The Death Penalty: A Controversial Issue
Dead Man Walking is a powerful movie based upon the controversial issue, the death penalty. This unique movie tells of the death penalty from all sides and not just one. Dead Man Walking, the movie is based on the book, Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States. Sister Helen Prejean tells of her life experiences as a nun embarking on a dangerous journey with a convicted murderer. Honoring the request of a lonely and desperate man, Sister Helen (Susan Sarandon) writes to Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn,) the condemned killer of two teenage lovers, and is completely unprepared for the relationship soon to follow. Soon after Sister Helen and Matthew meet, a date is set for Matthew’s execution. He then asks Helen to be his spiritual advisor while on death row. With the clock ticking away the final days before his execution, Helen struggles for the life, dignity, and the soul of a confused and angry Matt...