Adam Seen this movie when I was younger, and didn't appreciate it as much as I did with a second-viewing, maybe because I'm older and understand some more of the concepts of having dignity with injustice.Even though the movie is a made for TV HBO movie, it has some high-quality actors like Don Cheadle and Mekhi Pheifer with solid performances that isn't overly sentimental or preachy about the morals of right and wrong and injustice of the 1940s segregated South. Instead, it's a heart-touching look at how a person can live righteously even in the face of injustice.And kudos to the filmmakers as the scenery and even down to the accents seemed historically accurate. I felt like I wasn't watching a made for TV movie at all, well it was a HBO movie so that just shows you the high-quality that was put into it as in many HBO movies. A true must see for people that like historical movies, especially one with messages that overly preachy.

Gordon-11 This film is about a black man wrongly convicted of murder in America back in the 40's. A teacher unwillingly starts to visit him, and forms a bond that change them both forever."A Lesson Before Dying" is a great film. The character portrayal and their dialogs consistently shine. The supportive Vivian's lines are positive and encouraging, and she evokes strength and courage in others. Her line about how "Everytime a black little one is born, they hope he is the one" is heartbreaking. It encapsulates their desperate despair and their remote hope all in a few words.Edna Guidry, though a minor character, is very memorable because of her pretentious and superficial dialogs. When there is clearly an agenda in the tea meeting, she keeps on saying irrelevant things and keeps on ordering the maid to bring more alcohol. It shows how severe and scathing the discrimination is towards black people in those days. Grant Wiggins' bond with Jefferson is developed convincingly. Though this bond is brief, its effect is everlasting. I also find the struggle of faith in the film portrayed well.The whole story in very convincing and touching. It keeps me wanting to know more. It is powerful. "A Lesson Before Dying" should earn just as much recognition as "Dead Man Walking".

gator-9 I thought this was a poor adaptation of an incredible book. I never felt for the characters in the movie the way I did when I read the book. Also, the dialogue seemed especially weak. And what's the deal with the Louis Armstrong accents? Very distracting.

lavunt This movie is a great work, and hopefully has made it's way into our history education here in the states. The only negative I can find concerning this movie, is that such events occur in our world. Like life, the happy ending is all to often, only a barely tolerable out come to an injustice. Most times it's not even that. I vote a full board on this one, from cast and crew, to content and style