Dead Man Walking is a 1995 film based on the book of the same name, which tells the story of Sister Helen Prejean C.S.J., who establishes a special relationship with Matthew Poncelet, a prisoner on death row.

As a part of our discussion, Living the Questions, Sister Helen Prejean has given us a new and deeper insight into the meaning of “justice with compassion.” The Tuesday Night Bible Study group will view Dead Man Walking together on Tuesday, October 27, beginning at 6:30 in the St. John’s MCC Sanctuary. All are invited to screen the movie with us.

Matthew Poncelet has been in prison six years, awaiting his execution by lethal injection for killing a teenage couple. Poncelet appeals to Sister Helen as the day of his execution comes closer and closer. He wants her to help him with a final appeal.

She decides to visit him, and he comes across as arrogant, sexist and racist, apparently not even pretending to feeling any kind of remorse. Convincing an experienced attorney to take on Matthew’s case pro bono, Sister Helen tries to achieve lifelong confinement for Poncelet. Over time, after many visits, she establishes a special relationship with him.

While doing that she gets to know Poncelet’s mother and the victims’ families. The victims’ families don’t understand Sister Helen’s efforts to help Poncelet, claiming she is “taking his side.” Instead they desire “absolute justice,” as they call it, namely his life for the lives of their children.

Sister Helen’s application is declined, so the day of the execution comes closer and closer. The only salvation for Poncelet is – so Sister Prejean thinks – a confession.

Susan Sarandon won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role. Sean Penn was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Tim Robbins for Best Director, and its main track, “Dead Man Walkin’” by Bruce Springsteen for Best Song.

Read more about Sister Helen Prejean: The Real Woman Behind Dead Man Walking.