The read
It runs a compact 1h 30m.
Synopsis
In 2000, Illinois Gov. George Ryan ordered a moratorium on the death penalty after university students uncovered new evidence proving the innocence of 13 men on death row. This documentary follows the hearings held by a panel Ryan appointed to study the issue and interviews activists, scholars and prisoners, while examining the history of the American death penalty. As Ryan's time in office comes to an end, he must decide what steps to take to reform the judicial system.
Ratings
IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic71/100
4 audience votes
Key crew
- Kirsten JohnsonDirector
- Katy ChevignyDirector
- Charles OlivierScreenplay
Cast
- Anthony AmsterdamSelf
- George W. BushSelf (archive footage)
- John ChancellorSelf (archive footage)
- Mamie Till MobleySelf (archive footage)
- Richard NixonSelf (archive footage)
- Bryan StevensonSelf
- Scott TurowSelf
- Jeanne BishopSelf
Stills
Themes
woman director