Murder in the First
Performance & Direction: Murder in the First Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Murder in the First (1995) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. 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 Murder in the First features a noteworthy lineup led by Christian Slater . Supported by the likes of Kevin Bacon and Gary Oldman , 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?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Murder in the First (1995) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Story & Plot Summary: Murder in the First
Quick Plot Summary: Murder in the First is a Crime, Drama 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.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A young, inexperienced public defender is assigned to defend an inmate accused of committing murder while behind bars. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Murder in the First
Ending Breakdown: Murder in the First resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Murder in the First reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Murder in the First Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Murder in the First incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Murder in the First adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Murder in the First?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Murder in the First
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $29.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Murder in the First Budget
The estimated production budget for Murder in the First is $20.0M. 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: Murder in the First
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Murder in the First Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeMurder in the First Parents Guide & Age Rating
1995 AdvisoryWondering about Murder in the First age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Murder in the First is 122 minutes (2h 2m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Murder in the First stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1995 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murder in the First worth watching?
Murder in the First is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Murder in the First parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Murder in the First identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Murder in the First?
The total duration of Murder in the First is 122 minutes, which is approximately 2h 2m long.
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How Murder in the First Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Murder in the First
_**Life on Alcatraz in the 30s and early 40s**_ A young lawyer (Christian Slater) defends an inmate of Alcatraz (Kevin Bacon) accused of murder in 1941, but argues that the cruel treatment in the notorious prison is what drove him to it. Gary Oldman plays the heartless Warden (technically associate Warden) while R. Lee Ermey is on hand as the judge. "Murder in the First" (1995) is a prison/courtroom drama that says its “inspired by true events,” which means it’s NOT a biography of the real Henri Young, but rather uses Young’s basic story as a microcosm for unveiling several of Alcatraz’ dubious and inhumane doings during the 30s. Look up the real history after viewing the movie, yet not just Young’s story and the trial, but also the ‘Dungeon’ and how prisoners were treated in solitary confinement during the early years of that infamous ‘Rock.’ The movie successfully brings the viewer back to the 30s and early 40s, but the filmmakers laid it on too thick in regards to how ee-vil the prison authorities are, not to mention how supposedly innocent Young is (he wasn't), which smacks of agenda. But, like I said, Young _represented_ several issues/cases at Alcatraz, so it can be overlooked. Nevertheless, this is cut from the same cloth as “The Shawshank Redemption,” the surprise hit from a year earlier (not that it was a hit at first, but it eventually became one). I’m not saying “Murder in the First” is as good but, if you liked “Shawshank,” you’ll probably appreciate it. Embeth Davidtz, Kyra Sedgwick and Mia Kirshner show up on the feminine front. Davidtz really shines in the biggest role of the three. The film runs 2 hours, 2 minutes, and was shot in San Francisco & Alcatraz Island with the courtroom scenes done at Triscenic Production Services Inc. in Los Angeles area. GRADE: B-
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.
