Murder in the First (R)

Moving story of justice but too intense for kids.

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Movie details

Studio: Warner Bros.
Directed By: Marc Rocco
Cast: Kevin Bacon
Running Time: 122 minutes
Release Date: 09/13/1995
Video/DVD Release Date: 09/13/2003
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA Explanation: scenes of extremely graphic violence and torture, strong language, and sexuality

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this prison drama contains extremely graphic scenes of torture and some nudity. The scenes of suffering are very disturbing, and are most definitely inappropriate for kids and young teens.

Families can talk about the history of the prison at Alcatraz and of the American penal system in general. Although the movie is only loosely based on fact, it raises questions about how prisoners are treated that merit consideration.

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Extremely graphic scenes of torture.

Sex

Some nudity.

Language

Very Strong language.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Sarah Wenk

Loosely based on fact, MURDER IN THE FIRST centers on Henri Young (Kevin Bacon), a petty criminal who tries to escape from Alcatraz in 1928. As punishment he is placed in solitary confinement for over three years. Upon his release, he murders a fellow prisoner. His guilt is indisputable, but his lawyer (Christian Slater) puts the prison on trial, claiming that Young's abuse at the hands of a sadistic warden (Gary Oldman) drove him to commit the crime.

Is it any good?

This drama is very interesting, but the many early scenes of torture and abuse, as well as those of Young's endless imprisonment in utter darkness and solitude, are very difficult to watch. They serve the story -- without some understanding of what he endured, it would be difficult to understand what is at stake in his trial. But nonetheless, they are very disturbing and upsetting to view.

Kevin Bacon is brilliant as Young, managing to convey his humanity even when he is most damaged by what was done to him. The courtroom drama is compelling, Slater is fine as a young, idealistic attorney, and Oldman is menacing and scary as the warden. The direction is rather flat and the soundtrack rather turgid, but if you can get past the torture scenes, the human drama is very touching and beautifully played. Families with older teenagers may find this an unusual and disturbing look at the prison system, but it's inappropriate for younger viewers.