The Pelican Brief
Seen it?1993 | 141 min | Thriller, Drama
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It made about 4 times its budget, but middling reviews (56% on Rotten Tomatoes) held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Point Blank or The Silence of the Lambs, start here.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 21 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
A law student's theory about the recent deaths of two Supreme Court justices embroils her in a far-reaching web of murder, corruption, and greed.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
56% on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.6 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$195 million worldwide on a $45 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 280K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Roman J. Israel, Esq. Weeknight WatchAlso stars Denzel Washington, in another drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Point Blank
Saturday SpecialAnother thriller.
The Silence of the Lambs
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed thriller.
The Woman in the Window
Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Rainmaker Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Alan J. Pakula
- Julia RobertsDarby Shaw
- Denzel WashingtonGray Grantham
- Sam ShepardThomas Callahan
- John HeardGavin Vereek
- Tony GoldwynFletcher Coal
- James B. SikkingDenton Voyles
- William AthertonBob Gminski
- Robert CulpThe President
- Stanley TucciKhamel
- Hume CronynJustice Rosenberg