Murder in the First (R, 1995)

common sense media says

Moving story of justice but too intense for kids.


parents & educators say

What 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.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Extremely graphic scenes of torture.
Sex: Some nudity.
Language: Very Strong language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Murder in the First

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

What's the story?

What's the story?
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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Marc Rocco
Cast: Christian Slater, Gary Oldman, Kevin Bacon
Genre: Drama
Run time: 122 minutes
Theatrical release: September 13, 1995
DVD release: September 13, 2003
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: scenes of extremely graphic violence and torture, strong language, and sexuality

This review was written by Sarah Wenk
 
 

Review It

 

Review Murder in the First





Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
 

vote now

Will you see Murder in the First?


Already seen it? What do you think?

 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors


About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age