A Lesson Before Dying (1999): cast, story & where to watch
1999 · Film · ★ 4.8
Released in 1999, A Lesson Before Dying is a drama and tv movie film directed by Joseph Sargent, running about 101 minutes. “A young man's destiny becomes a teacher's journey.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. In the 1940s South, an African-American man is wrongly accused of the killing a a white store owner. In his defense, his white attorney equates him with a lowly hog, to indicate that he didn't have the sense to know what he was doing. Nevertheless convicted, he is sentenced to die, but his godmother and the aunt of the local schoolteacher convince school teacher go to the convicted man's cell each day to try to reaffirm to him that he is not an animal but a man with dignity.
Who’s in it. A Lesson Before Dying stars Don Cheadle as Grant Wiggins, Cicely Tyson as Tante Lou, Mekhi Phifer as Jefferson and Irma P. Hall as Miss Emma, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 4.8/10, A Lesson Before Dying has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch A Lesson Before Dying page.
If you liked it. Fans of A Lesson Before Dying tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch A Lesson Before Dying (1999)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for A Lesson Before Dying change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is A Lesson Before Dying worth watching?
- A Lesson Before Dying holds an audience score of 4.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and tv movie. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in A Lesson Before Dying?
- A Lesson Before Dying stars Don Cheadle, Cicely Tyson, Mekhi Phifer, Irma P. Hall and Brent Jennings.
- When was A Lesson Before Dying released?
- A Lesson Before Dying was released in 1999, with a runtime of about 101 minutes.