Sleepers. WOW I can't believe I had missed this movie years ago! It boasts a fantastic cast, all delivering captivating performances. The story line grabbed me from the beginning and held my attention, often with my stomach in knots with dread and/or anticipation. A heart wrenching story of friendship and redemption that you won't soon forget.

Barry Levinson directs this film based on the book by Lorenza Carcattera about four friends growing up in Hell's Kitchen, New York... and how one mistake ruins their whole lives. An excellent cast including Robert De Niro, Kevin Bacon, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Patric and Brad Pitt make this film an absolute must for any film fanatic. Yes, the film does include scenes of sexual and physical abuse suffered by the boys when they are sent to a reform school but that is not what this film is about. Its really a tale of revenge and friendship - both of which are tightly bound together in this film. Levinson is not heavy handed in his direction and allows the actors free range to explore their individual characters with great effect. Although two Hollywood greats are present in this film (Hoffman and De Niro), the parts they play are such, that you don't really notice them and that's a good thing. No one actor should be greater than the story being told and there is no greater evidence of this than in this movie.This film is really quite superb. It is very emotional and very moving. Especially as we know it is a true story. The thought of this is disturbing. The story is a bout 4 boys who go to a young offenders home, here they are abused in any kind of way you can imagine, sexually, verbally, physically and mentally. Years after the boys are released, they are displayed with the opportunity of revenge, and they take it. The film shows true friendship, and is one of the best films you will see.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

performances. script. atmosphere. precise build of each part. a film about justice. and a story who use the references to Count of Monte Cristo as axis for a real gem. because , it could be perceived as version of Alexandre Dumas 's novel. same broken happiness. same cruel punishment. and the way to revenge. and the significant detail of few memorable scenes.a film who remains perfect. for the touching portrait of friendship. for the status of de Niro and Hoffman as pillars and for wise work of the young actors. de Niro does one of the most profound roles because his father Bobby is splendid definition of the Church's mission. a film about truth . dramatic, smart, beautiful in a special way.

You don't see this one coming, but when it does, it lands with a boom! After that, you are wanting the butterflies in your stomach to take a much needed break. From that moment, a movie watching glue kicks in between the viewer and the movie and entertainment is born but of a special kind. To some, the subject matter may be to strong to their liking. To others, they want the truth be known regardless of the pain involved. Interesting at how the players in the movie win you over and you do form a opinion and accept as well as reject some of the roles being played in the movie. That's what good acting and story telling under decent directing does. It makes your emotions come alive sort of borrowing them for bit so it can shake them up and give them back so you can calm them. Take heart, while you go up and down through out the movie, it does end on a satisfying but sober note of some sort. I will leave that experience to you. Snack and tasty drink recommended and there is a sing a long at the end which is optional and unforgettable...LOL Enjoy...I did