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The Sunset Limited

Play trailer Poster for The Sunset Limited TV-MA 2011 1h 31m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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68% Tomatometer 28 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
A spiritual man (Samuel L. Jackson) and a suicidal professor (Tommy Lee Jones) have a philosophical debate.
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The Sunset Limited

The Sunset Limited

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Critics Consensus

The Sunset Limited's ambition is undercut by arch dialogue and a claustrophobic setting, but Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson's dueling performances bring heft to this battle of wills.

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Critics Reviews

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Nancy DeWolf Smith Wall Street Journal 08/07/2020
The contest between the two men can be painful -- but is it meant to be laughable too? Go to Full Review Christian Blauvelt Entertainment Weekly 08/07/2020
If The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada didn't already convince you that the man can direct, Jones' take on Sunset Limited proves his directorial skill. Go to Full Review John Doyle Globe and Mail 08/07/2020
Both actors go at it with gusto, often a tad too much gusto. This is one of those cases of serious theatrical material that would have benefited from being expanded for TV. Still, McCarthy devotees will adore it. Go to Full Review Joe Cunningham Radio Times 08/07/2020
4/5
It's clear that this is a work whose natural home is on the stage. However, the two veteran actors are superb and more than justify the material being brought to the screen. Go to Full Review OC Register Staff Orange County Register 08/07/2020
The viewpoints make this production powerful. McCarthy's created a script where both positions come with very valid arguments. The discussions ring with a truthfulness because of the stars' skillful acting. Go to Full Review Chris Knight National Post 08/07/2020
Part of what makes [this pairing] so enjoyable is their shared history. Jackson and Jones worked together in 2000's Rules of Engagement, but there's also a pale shadow of Jackson's Bible-quoting assassin from Pulp Fiction in his character. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Henry D @Henry_Domke Aug 5 It was like watching a great Cormac McCarthy play, with two great actors debating the meaning of life and religion. It demands full attention to be fully appreciated. Sadly, I was tired and slept through parts of it. See more ill 3 @RT25493494 Jan 20 Samuel L. Jackson's performance is incredible as usual but unfortunately I don't see the dialog as deep or rich enough to be a whole film. I think it could have been more deeper or interesting, still decent film though See more Danuel W @DJWilliams Dec 17 Seeing the battle of minds between Samuel L. Jackson's and Tommy Lee Jones' characters is something that is a really fresh take in terms of films for me. I really love the tension that's built between Samuel Jackson's enthusiastic and optimistic start and the final comeback of Tommy Lee Jones' cynical worldview. Really great concept! I would watch this at least five more times just to experience the dynamic again. See more Sameir A @RT21611577 Sep 9 My very favorite cast, yet, I don't get the movie. May be it was too intellectual for me. It failed to grip me to the story. See more Adam J @RT53776790 03/14/2025 The actors saved the film but the battle of wills made it worth watching. I guess the end left me a little flat because the darkness seems to win...but I guess sometimes it does. See more Gal H @RT23119522 11/30/2023 I love this movie, this movie isn't for everybody, I guess you have to love philosophy and discussions but this two actors are doing an amazing job carrying the movie on their backs. See more Read all reviews
The Sunset Limited

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Tommy Lee Jones

Director

Samuel L. Jackson

Black

Tommy Lee Jones

White

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The Sunset Limited

The Sunset Limited (2011) The Sunset Limited (2011) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis A spiritual man (Samuel L. Jackson) and a suicidal professor (Tommy Lee Jones) have a philosophical debate.
Director
Tommy Lee Jones
Production Co
HBO Films
Rating
TV-MA (L)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 4, 2016
Runtime
1h 31m
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