A Prayer for the Dying
Performance & Direction: A Prayer for the Dying Review
Last updated: January 31, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is A Prayer for the Dying (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Prayer for the Dying features a noteworthy lineup led by Mickey Rourke . Supported by the likes of Bob Hoskins and Alan Bates , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: A Prayer for the Dying
Quick Plot Summary: A Prayer for the Dying is a Crime, Drama, Action, Thriller film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: A Prayer for the Dying
Ending Breakdown: A Prayer for the Dying attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of A Prayer for the Dying reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
A Prayer for the Dying Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
A Prayer for the Dying incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, action, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: A Prayer for the Dying adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch A Prayer for the Dying?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: A Prayer for the Dying
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
A Prayer for the Dying Budget
The estimated production budget for A Prayer for the Dying is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: A Prayer for the Dying
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch A Prayer for the Dying Online?
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Apple TV StoreA Prayer for the Dying Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about A Prayer for the Dying age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of A Prayer for the Dying is 107 minutes (1h 47m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, A Prayer for the Dying is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Prayer for the Dying worth watching?
A Prayer for the Dying is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find A Prayer for the Dying parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for A Prayer for the Dying identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of A Prayer for the Dying?
The total duration of A Prayer for the Dying is 107 minutes, which is approximately 1h 47m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
