- Actors: Michael Tucker, Juliette Lewis, Brad Pitt, Alan Fudge, Emily Longstreth
- Directors: Robert Markowitz
- Format: PAL
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: 18
- Studio: Odyssey Video
- DVD Release Date: 24 Feb 2003
- Run Time: 92 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00004R80W
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 14,992 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Special Features
DVD 5
English
Region 2
Trailer
Biographical Notes
Interactive Menus
Scene Selections
English
Region 2
Trailer
Biographical Notes
Interactive Menus
Scene Selections
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Young Juliette Lewis should have had an Oscar nomination for her stunning portrayal of 14 year old trailer trash Amanda Sue Bradley in this heart-wrenching drama, based on a true story. Raped by her stepfather, dumped by her mother and abandoned by her teenage husband, Amanda finds herself penniless, hungry and alone in an Oklahoma town. There, she falls under the influence of local lowlife Billy (Brad Pitt), who leads her to a life of drugs, strip joints and prostitution. Kindly divorced Army sergeant Mike (Michael O'Keefe) rescues her, and takes her into his home as his housekeeper. That is, until his Army bosses learn he is living with a minor and Amanda is out on the street again. Back with Billy, the pair embark on a drugs binge that leads to the murder of Mike, arrest, and the question posed by the film's title: should the 14 year old Amanda have been tried for her crime as an adult and sentenced to die in a gas chamber? Spot-on acting, snappy direction and vivid on-location filming make this movie a great accomplishment for all involved, but it's Juliette Lewis who steals every scene. She is so believable as the innocent child who wants only to love and be loved, but who is abused, betrayed and turned away at every step in her short life, it will tear your heart out. Watch this movie and weep. I did.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Amanda is 15 years old and arrested for murder she is a user of street drugs and alcohol, a prostitute raped by a family member and married. All this before her sixteenth birthday, this film was BASED on a true story, and I believe that's the twister in this film. Based on a story, probably means that many scenarios were added to spice it up. Although I have tried to research this film and came across some information that is contradictory. I tried to find out about executions carried out in Oklahoma and also Amanda's execution. Oklahoma has never used the gas chamber for executions. Electrocution was used from early 1915 til 1966 using, Old Sparky. Electric chair since 1977, the prescribed method is lethal injection. This film reminds me of a book I recently read. "A house full of whispers" and the author states her book is a true account. The film held my attention and the actress who portrayed this poor young girl made it believable. Well done Juliette Lewis.
21 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a fascinating, emotional and ultimately frustrating film.
Fascinating because here we have early performances from future megastars, Juliette Lewis and Brad Pitt, in a low budget movie.
Emotional for anybody with half a heart watching Lewis play the role of Amanda Sue Bradley, a teenager with a mighty raw deal from life that culminates in committing murder whilst under the influence of drugs.
Frustrating as the film purports to be a true story but there is no postscript providing any factual details about Bradley. There is the usual trailer at the end of the film stating that the story is based upon certain factual events and persons, however ...(then we have all usual legal disclaimers).
My trawl of the Internet has found no details of any teenage murderess called Bradley or any other likely candidates who have had a change of name for the film. My search took in various sites about the convicted and condemned, starting in Oklahoma (the State where it appears Bradley was tried). I found details about being a pen pal to a resident of Death Row but no sign of Amanda Sue.
If there is anybody with any knowledge of the actual case, or a genuine case that the characters and incidents were based upon I would be interested to hear from you.
I would recommend two British films dealing with factual murders and the death penalty; "Dance with a Stranger" starring the superb Miranda Richardson as Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain; and "Let him have it" concerning the infamous Bentley and Craig case where the former a retarded adult was hanged and the latter, a minor who pulled the trigger was not. Both of the events depicted occurred in the 1950s.
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