A Prayer for the Dying Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An IRA bomber accidentally blows up a school bus, then moves to London to become a priest’s best friend and fall in love with his blind niece, all while dodging angry mobsters and former associates; it’s basically ‘Touched by an Angel’ but with more explosions and questionable accents.

🍿 A Prayer for the Dying: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Opening Tragedy and Fallon’s Dilemma

The film opens with Martin Fallon, an IRA bomber, accidentally causing the deaths of schoolchildren in a bombing intended for British troops. Horrified by the unintended consequences, Fallon seeks to leave his violent past behind. He attempts to escape to London, hoping to start a new life free from the IRA’s influence and bloodshed.

A Deal with the Devil

In London, Fallon is approached by Jack Meehan, a local crime boss, who offers him a deal: perform one last hit on a rival gangster in exchange for a forged passport and passage to America. Desperate to escape his past, Fallon reluctantly agrees. However, the hit is witnessed by Father Michael Da Costa, a Catholic priest.

Confession and Conflict

Fallon confesses his crime to Father Da Costa, hoping that the sanctity of the confessional will keep the priest silent. However, this act creates a moral and ethical conflict for Da Costa, who is bound by his vows but also recognizes the need for justice. Meanwhile, Meehan, fearing exposure, demands that Fallon kill the priest, leading to further complications and Fallon’s refusal.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Martin Fallon (Mickey Rourke): A guilt-ridden IRA hitman seeking redemption after a botched bombing leads him to London.
• Father Michael Da Costa (Bob Hoskins): A Catholic priest torn between his vows and the knowledge of a murder he witnessed.
• Jack Meehan (Alan Bates): A ruthless London crime boss who manipulates Martin Fallon for his own gain.
• Anna (Sammi Davis): The blind niece of Father Da Costa, who develops a bond with Martin Fallon.
• Liam Docherty (Liam Neeson): Martin’s former IRA comrade tasked with bringing him back or eliminating him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Martin Fallon: “I don’t want to keep waking up hearing the screams of young children.” – Martin expresses his deep regret and trauma after the accidental bombing of a school bus.
• Martin Fallon: “I lost something a long time ago… everything.” – Fallon reflects on the moral decay he has experienced and the loss of his own humanity.
• Jack Meehan: “I don’t think you quite know who I am, Father.” – Said with an ominous tone, implying his power and control over the situation to Father Da Costa.
• Martin Fallon: “Please, please, please forgive me.” – Fallon’s dying words, seeking redemption and absolution for his sins.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,432,687
• Worldwide Gross: $1,432,687

💥 A Prayer for the Dying Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘A Prayer for the Dying’ years ago and being captivated by the premise. Mickey Rourke’s portrayal of a conflicted IRA hitman was compelling, and Bob Hoskins delivered a powerful performance as the priest torn between his faith and the law. The scenes between Rourke and Sammi Davis were surprisingly tender amidst all the violence. Although it’s not a perfect film, it left a lasting impression on me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mickey Rourke’s early work”
  • “Viewers interested in crime dramas with moral dilemmas”
  • “Those who appreciate films with a British setting and cast”
  • “Readers of Jack Higgins novels”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Brief male nudity”
  • “Scenes of attempted sexual assault”
  • “Religious themes that may be sensitive to some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While ‘A Prayer for the Dying’ boasts a talented cast and explores intriguing themes of redemption, its convoluted plot and uneven pacing prevent it from reaching its full potential. The film’s attempts to balance action with moral contemplation often feel disjointed, leaving viewers feeling emotionally detached.
• Variety: “Despite strong performances from Rourke and Hoskins, the film struggles to find a consistent tone, wavering between gritty crime drama and sentimental romance. The convoluted plot and implausible scenarios undermine the emotional impact, making it a frustrating viewing experience.

Audience Reactions

Mickey Rourke’s intense performance as the conflicted hitman is captivating.: Viewers are drawn to the themes of redemption and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

The on-screen chemistry between Mickey Rourke and Sammi Davis makes the relationship more interesting.: The performances of the main actors are generally well-received, despite some criticism about the script.

Overall Consensus: Despite strong performances and interesting themes, ‘A Prayer for the Dying’ suffers from a convoluted plot and uneven pacing, leaving audiences divided.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Mike Hodges and Mickey Rourke publicly disowned the theatrical cut of this movie, citing studio interference and a focus on action over character development.”
• “The church used in the film is St. Luke’s Church in Canning Town, London. It was damaged during World War II and was not being used as a church at the time of filming.”
• “Bill Conti was brought in to redo the music after the producers rejected John Scott’s original score.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Prayer for the Dying?

A Prayer for the Dying is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. Check your local listings for availability and streaming options. Physical copies on Blu-ray or DVD may also be available from online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Prayer for the Dying, you might like these similar films:

• The Devil’s Own (1997): Deals with the IRA and an assassin finding himself in conflict with his mission and morals.
• I Confess (1953): A priest hears a murderer’s confession and is bound by the sanctity of the confessional, creating a moral dilemma.
• Get Carter (1971): Directed by Mike Hodges, like A Prayer for the Dying. A dark, gritty crime thriller set in England.
• Angel Heart (1987): Also starring Mickey Rourke, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and damnation in a noir setting.

🛒 A Prayer for the Dying Related Products

• Jack Higgins Collection: 5 Novels: Enjoy more thrillers written by Jack Higgins, the author of the original novel. Get access to these gripping stories on your Kindle or Audible app.
• Mickey Rourke: The Icon Collection: Explore some of the finest performances given by Mickey Rourke in his extensive and successful career.
• Bob Hoskins Film Collection [DVD]: Discover more of Bob Hoskin’s impressive roles.
• Mickey Rourke Signed Movie Photo: Own a piece of movie history with a signed photo of Mickey Rourke. A rare and valuable item for serious fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Prayer for the Dying features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ave Maria” – performed by Franz Schubert
• “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – performed by Bill Conti

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mickey Rourke A prayer for the dying

Want a quick hit of classic Mickey Rourke? This short clip from ‘A Prayer for the Dying’ showcases his intense acting and gives you a feel for the movie’s atmosphere. I always thought he nailed this role!

Bill Conti: A prayer for the dying – Fallon & the blind girl

Ever notice how much the music can impact a scene? This clip highlights Bill Conti’s score for ‘A Prayer for the Dying,’ specifically for the scene with the blind girl. It’s amazing how much emotion the music adds!

✨ Rate