A Lesson Before Dying
1999, English. Directed by Joseph Sargent.
A young man's destiny becomes a teacher's journey.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 41m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
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Where to watch A Lesson Before Dying
A Lesson Before Dying isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 22 May 1999.
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Cast & crew
- Joseph SargentDirector
- Don CheadleGrant Wiggins
- Cicely TysonTante Lou
- Mekhi PhiferJefferson
- Irma P. HallMiss Emma
- Brent JenningsReverend Ambrose
- Lisa ArrindellVivian Baptiste
- Dana IveyEdna Guidry
- Frank Hoyt TaylorSheriff Guidry
- Stuart CulpepperHenri Pichot
- Von CoulterFarrell Jarreau
- Elijah KelleyClarence
- Wynton YatesLouis Washington
Details
- Released
- 22 May 1999
- Country
- United States of America
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News & fan talk
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A Lesson Before Dying: quick answers
Is A Lesson Before Dying worth watching?
A Lesson Before Dying doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is A Lesson Before Dying?
A Lesson Before Dying runs 101 minutes (1h 41m).
Does A Lesson Before Dying have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for A Lesson Before Dying. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
A Lesson Before Dying parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
A Lesson Before Dying is rated PG-13 in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is A Lesson Before Dying on?
A Lesson Before Dying isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 22 May 1999. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like A Lesson Before Dying?
If you liked A Lesson Before Dying, try The House on Carroll Street, Skin, The Visit.
Who directed A Lesson Before Dying?
A Lesson Before Dying (1999) was directed by Joseph Sargent and stars Don Cheadle, Cicely Tyson, Mekhi Phifer.