Sleepers

The summer of ’67 hangs heavy over Hell’s Kitchen, a sweltering blanket of poverty and simmering rage. Four young friends, Lorenzo ‘Shakes’ Carcaterra, Michael Sullivan, Tommy Marcano and John Reilly, their lives a tapestry woven with petty crimes and youthful exuberance, make a mistake that will shatter their world. A prank gone horribly wrong leads to tragedy, sending them to the Wilkinson Home for Boys, a juvenile detention center veiled in shadows and ruled by cruelty. Behind those walls, they encounter Sean Nokes, a guard whose sadistic nature will leave scars that run deeper than bone. Years pass, and the boys emerge, changed men, each carrying the weight of their shared trauma. But the past is a relentless beast, and when Michael and Tommy unexpectedly cross paths with Nokes again, the sleepers awaken, and the hunt for vengeance begins, threatening to consume everything in its path and drag them all back into the darkness they thought they had escaped.

Movie Overview

Movie Cast

Storyline

In the unforgiving landscape of 1960s Hell’s Kitchen, childhood friends Lorenzo “Shakes” Carcaterra, Tommy Marcano, Michael Sullivan, and John Reilly find their lives irrevocably shattered by a single, fateful act. What begins as a harmless prank escalates into tragedy, landing them in the Wilkinson Home for Boys, a juvenile detention center ruled by sadistic guards. There, they endure horrific physical and sexual abuse at the hands of Sean Nokes and his cohorts, experiences that forge an unbreakable bond between them, tainted by a burning desire for vengeance. Years later, Michael, now a prosecuting attorney, and Tommy, a hardened criminal, reunite and orchestrate a meticulous plan to confront their past. When a chance encounter allows them to kill Nokes, seemingly by chance, John and Shakes become entangled in the intricate web of retribution. As the trial unfolds, Michael manipulates the legal system, while Shakes seeks the aid of Father Bobby, a priest who knows the dark secrets of their past, and Danny Snyder, an alcoholic lawyer, to expose the truth and bring down the corrupt system that enabled their suffering. The climactic courtroom battle becomes a desperate gamble, forcing the friends to confront their trauma and risk everything to achieve a semblance of justice, forever haunted by the sleepers they have become.

Details

In the gritty landscape of 1960s Hell’s Kitchen, “Sleepers” tells the harrowing story of four childhood friends, Lorenzo “Shakes” Carcaterra, Michael Sullivan, Tommy Marcano, and John Reilly, whose lives are irrevocably shattered after a tragic accident lands them in the Wilkinson Home for Boys. There, they endure brutal physical and sexual abuse at the hands of sadistic guards, most notably the vile Sean Nokes, leaving deep scars that will shape their futures. Years later, now grown men, Michael (Brad Pitt) has become a lawyer and Tommy (Billy Crudup) and John (Ron Eldard) are hardened criminals. Fate intervenes when Tommy and John unexpectedly encounter Sean Nokes (Kevin Bacon) in a local bar, triggering a violent act of retribution that sets off a sensational trial. Haunted by their shared past, Shakes (Jason Patric), now a journalist, and Michael conspire to manipulate the legal system, enlisting the aid of a local priest, Father Bobby (Robert De Niro), and a flamboyant lawyer, Danny Snyder (Dustin Hoffman), to expose the dark secrets of Wilkinson and the corruption that allowed the abuse to continue unchecked. As the trial unfolds, alliances are tested, moral lines are blurred, and the true meaning of justice is questioned in this gripping crime drama that explores themes of revenge, redemption, and the enduring power of childhood trauma.

FAQs

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What is the movie “Sleepers” about?

“Sleepers” tells the story of four friends who, after a childhood mistake, are sent to a reformatory where they are sexually abused. Years later, two of them seek revenge on one of their abusers, leading to a sensational court hearing.

What genres does “Sleepers” fall into?

“Sleepers” is categorized as a Crime, Drama, and Thriller film.

Who directed “Sleepers”?

Barry Levinson directed the movie “Sleepers”.

Who are some of the main actors in “Sleepers”?

The main cast includes Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Patric, and Brad Pitt.

When was “Sleepers” released?

“Sleepers” was released on October 18, 1996.

What is the runtime of “Sleepers”?

The movie “Sleepers” has a runtime of 147 minutes.

What is the tagline for “Sleepers”?

The tagline for “Sleepers” is: “Four friends have made a mistake that will change their lives forever.”

What is the IMDb ID for “Sleepers”?

The IMDb ID for “Sleepers” is tt0117665.

What production companies were involved in making “Sleepers”?

“Sleepers” was produced by Propaganda Films, Baltimore Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment.

What is the average rating of “Sleepers” on TMDb?

The average rating of “Sleepers” is 7.599 based on 3590 votes.

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