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The Sunset Limited

  • TV Movie
  • 2011
  • TV-MA
  • 1h 31m
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
33K
YOUR RATING
Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones in The Sunset Limited (2011)
Set in a New York tenement apartment, the story focuses on two very different men – a deeply religious black ex-con (Samuel L. Jackson) who thwarts the suicide attempt of an asocial white college professor (Tommy Lee Jones) who tried to throw himself in front of an oncoming subway train, The Sunset Limited.
Play trailer0:32
1 Video
54 Photos
Psychological DramaDrama

Through a chance encounter, two men of opposing ideologies deliberate spiritual, philosophical, and profound matters in a New York City apartment.Through a chance encounter, two men of opposing ideologies deliberate spiritual, philosophical, and profound matters in a New York City apartment.Through a chance encounter, two men of opposing ideologies deliberate spiritual, philosophical, and profound matters in a New York City apartment.

  • Director
    • Tommy Lee Jones
  • Writer
    • Cormac McCarthy
  • Stars
    • Samuel L. Jackson
    • Tommy Lee Jones
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.3/10
    33K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Tommy Lee Jones
    • Writer
      • Cormac McCarthy
    • Stars
      • Samuel L. Jackson
      • Tommy Lee Jones
    • 114User reviews
    • 36Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 7 nominations total

    Videos1

    The Sunset Limited
    Trailer 0:32
    The Sunset Limited

    Photos54

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    Top cast2

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    Samuel L. Jackson
    Samuel L. Jackson
    • Black
    Tommy Lee Jones
    Tommy Lee Jones
    • White
    • Director
      • Tommy Lee Jones
    • Writer
      • Cormac McCarthy
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews114

    7.332.8K
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    Featured reviews

    10charlie_alejandro

    A shining example of story telling

    This movie with Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones transcends us back to a time when movies relied on the deepness of story lines and not on special effects or loud soundtracks. This movie takes us to the extreme test of our faith, in what we believe about the seen and unseen. It also reminds us that at times we are so busy trying to save others we forget to save ourselves, and sometimes almost become lost in the process. The acting talent of Mr. Jones and Mr. Jackson makes for a powerful movie and leaves us evaluating what we ourselves believe. Tommy Lee Jones' directing style makes you feel as if you are a third person in the room being an observer to the debate that transpired between both characters. If you need to be amused by bells and whistles, this is not the film for you, but if you enjoy film making at its purest form, with deep plot lines and dialogue this movie is a must see as these characters will haunt you long after the lights come back on.
    9thekarmicnomad

    A movie that lingers, in a good way

    The concept of this movie is almost impossible to sell (two dudes talking in a room) if that is an automatic switch off for you then give this a miss, have a good evening.

    It almost was for me but as the two dudes in question are Tommy Lee and Samuel L, I thought I would give it a shot; glad I did as I was instantly gripped and before I realised it the end credits were rolling.

    The two perform an elegant dance of dialogue, Samuel's character from the slant of a straight shooting, Southern ex-con who has found Jesus and Tommy as the depressed, over educated nihilist.

    There is nothing groundbreakingly new here. The discussion follows paths we have all considered, is there a god? could anyone bare living forever? But the two are masters at their trade.

    This is an excellent film, if you insist on car chases and explosions to enjoy a movie (nothing wrong with that) then steer well clear. Otherwise give this a go. It won't change your life but will definitely affect your week.
    10jiangjonas

    Touched like never before

    I'm 24, live in Sweden and I consider myself rather cultural. I have a big interest in movies, music, photography and such. In that context I have seen a lot of movies.

    This is the first movie that have ever made me cry.

    My fantasy was running wild during the hole 1½ hour, and I wish it would have never ended. I had thoughts and ideas about the outside world, the characters and I lived in the movie like never before. I wanted so many things to happen so badly like it was happening to me. The dialog blew me away and I have never seen acting that good.

    Best movie I have ever seen.

    p.s. I am an atheist. and still am.
    10Jayfarr1975

    Wow!!!

    I've never felt so compelled to write in on how I feel about a movie until I had experienced "The Sunset Limited" last night on HBO.

    I was really moved. I actually burst into tears at one point.

    Two men having a philosophical debate about life and death and the idea that knowledge is a burden, and the more we know, the more miserable we become is one point of debate in this powerful film. Some of the best writing and acting I've seen, anywhere.

    Multiple viewings may be required for most to fully absorb the impact. A real punch in the gut.

    I actually felt like dusting off my old Bible and thumbing through it for a while when the movie ended.

    I don't know what else to say about this movie except that if you have not seen it yet, you MUST. It makes so much sense and it is a real eye opener.

    McCarthy is genius. I love all is work and this is just an absolute masterpiece of writing.

    Tommy Lee Jones and my man Sammy L. are absolutely mesmerizing. I have not seen acting this good in a long time.

    There is so much I want to tell you about this film, but words just cannot do it justice.

    I loved every second of this film, and I hope you do to.

    P.S.- I NEVER give a movie 10 stars because I like to reserve that honor for something that is truly special. This is truly special.
    10Tactrix

    Amazing

    It is my deepest pleasure to review this movie. Have you ever wondered what would happened if god and the devil sat down and had a conversation about the true state of the world? This is a movie where exactly that happens, only instead of god you have Samuel L Jackson arguing for the side of faith, and Tommy Lee Jones arguing for the side of suicide, now heres how the movie goes, it takes place in one room where they go back and fourth discussing the merits on religion, the state of the world as a whole, the human condition, the future, and about a dozen other topic. At first glance this sounds like it would be a dull movie, trust me its not. If you like actual conversation and true dialog this is the movie for you. 10/10 for finally making a movie thats as real as real can be.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Due to his long-time friendship with Tommy Lee Jones, the normally private Cormac McCarthy made visits to the set to give advice on his script.
    • Goofs
      While eating dinner, Black placed two bowls on the table, but then picked up only one of them, poured the food into it, and sat down at the table.
    • Quotes

      Black: I ain't a doubter, but I am a questioner.

      White: What's the difference?

      Black: A questioner wants the truth. A doubter wants to be told there ain't no such thing.

    • Connections
      Featured in Celebrated: Tommy Lee Jones (2015)
    • Soundtracks
      We Don't Care
      Written by John Fulford, Mark Vinren and Chris Curtis

      Performed by The Trak Kartel

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 12, 2011 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Giới Hạn Hoàng Hôn
    • Filming locations
      • Garson Studios, College of Santa Fe - 1600 Saint Michaels Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA(Studio)
    • Production companies
      • HBO Films
      • The Javelina Film Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 31 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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