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Poster for Bringing Out the Dead

Bringing Out the Dead

Seen it?

1999 | 121 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (72% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, though it had a lukewarm 6.6 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Shutter Island, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 1 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: expect drug use.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Once called "Father Frank" for his efforts to rescue lives, Frank Pierce sees the ghosts of those he failed to save around every turn. He has tried everything he can to get fired, calling in sick, delaying taking calls where he might have to face one more victim he couldn't help, yet cannot quit the job on his own.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    72% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.6 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $32 million worldwide on a $32 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 222K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Martin Scorsese

  • Nicolas CageFrank Pierce
  • Patricia ArquetteMary Burke
  • John GoodmanLarry Verber
  • Ving RhamesMarcus
  • Tom SizemoreTom Wolls
  • Marc AnthonyNoel
  • Mary Beth HurtNurse Constance
  • Cliff CurtisCy Coates
  • Aida TurturroNurse Crupp
  • Nestor SerranoDr. Hazmat