i saw this movie many year ago and it have never leave my list of all time best film ever make . when i first watch it and i be just begin what have become a life long passion for justice . it give an interesting perspective of the death penalty and also give me a few thing to think about . when you have a cast like this one and you be right to assume it be go to be nothing short of fabulous . this be and by far and the best role i have ever see sean penn play ( along with i be sam ) . he nail the role and doesn not glamourize his action while do so . he manage to maintain a level of debauchery throughout the movie that i think be very important . up until the very end and he do not try to be see a anything more than what he be . he be a sick man who regret his past and but still make excuse for it . he end up able to redeem his sense of self worth as much a a convict ( and guilty ) murderer can through the aid of susan sarandon character and sister helen prejean . her character teach me about good will towards others without make me forget how horrible a person action can be and without make excuse for them . the support cast be also top notch . i be surprise to see a small cameo of jack black in this film give the funny man he have become today . i love this movie for both personal reason and just because it be a work of cinematic art . and and in my opinion and this be one of the rare exception when the movie far out do the book .