Sleepers

Sleepers

Year: 1996

Runtime: 147 min

Language: English

Director: Barry Levinson

DramaThrillerCrime

Growing up together in Hell's Kitchen, four friends experience a traumatic event that leads to their placement in a reform school. There, they endure horrific abuse at the hands of the staff. Years later, two of the former students become dangerous hitmen, driven by a desire for retribution against those who tormented them. As they plot their revenge, an old friend now working as a prosecutor finds himself caught in the crossfire, forcing a reckoning with the past and the pursuit of justice.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Sleepers (1996)

Trace every key event in Sleepers (1996) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Life in Hell's Kitchen

Lorenzo 'Shakes' Carcaterra and his friends navigate the tough environment of Hell's Kitchen in the mid-1960s. This area is characterized by a mix of immigrant cultures and a harsh reality filled with everyday violence and struggles.

1960s Hell's Kitchen, New York City
2

Guidance from Father Bobby

As the boys face the challenges of their neighborhood, they find solace in the guidance of Father Bobby Carillo. He provides them with a moral compass while they serve as altar boys at the local church.

Local church, Hell's Kitchen
3

Working for King Benny

The boys begin to undertake small jobs for a local gangster known as King Benny. This involvement leads them deeper into the world of crime, which further complicates their youthful innocence.

Hell's Kitchen
4

Mischievous Antics

The friends engage in lighthearted pranks, including sneaking into confession booths and creating peepholes in changing rooms. These small rebellions reflect their desire to escape the grim aspects of their lives.

5

The Hot Dog Vendor Incident

In the summer of 1967, a prank intended for fun backfires catastrophically when an elderly man is injured during a stunt involving a hot dog vendor. This incident results in severe repercussions for the group, terminating their carefree childhood.

Summer 1967 Hell's Kitchen
6

Sent to Wilkinson Home for Boys

The group is sentenced to the Wilkinson Home for Boys as punishment for their actions. Their experiences in this juvenile facility turn dark and traumatic, clouding their youth with despair and pain.

Wilkinson Home for Boys, Upstate New York
7

Abuse at the Facility

Inside the juvenile facility, the boys are subjected to harsh treatment and abuse from the guards, particularly Sean Nokes. This cycle of violence creates unbreakable bonds while profoundly affecting their mental health.

Wilkinson Home for Boys
8

Shakes' English Skills Recognized

While in the facility, Shakes shows a talent for English, which catches the attention of Mr. Carlson, the facility's teacher. This moment represents a glimmer of hope for Shakes amidst the bleakness of their situation.

Wilkinson Home for Boys
9

The Football Game

The boys participate in the prison's annual football game, which momentarily lifts their spirits and unites them. However, their victory triggers a brutal retaliation, plunging them back into a cycle of isolation and abuse.

Wilkinson Home for Boys
10

Proposing to Report Abuse

As Shakes nears his release in spring 1968, he suggests they should report the guards' abuse. However, Michael dismisses this plan, fearing the outside world's disbelief and neglect of their plight.

Spring 1968 Wilkinson Home for Boys
11

The Farewell Party

On the eve of Shakes's release, guards led by Nokes organize a horrific 'farewell party' that culminates in a brutal assault on the boys. This traumatic event leaves them scarred and fearful as they leave the facility.

Wilkinson Home for Boys
12

Revenge in Hell's Kitchen

In 1981, John and Tommy confront Sean Nokes in a bar, which leads to a violent altercation where they take revenge by killing him. This act signifies their deep-seated desire for retribution after years of suffering.

1981 Hell's Kitchen, New York City
13

Manipulating the Legal System

Michael, now an assistant District Attorney, schematically manipulates a case tied to their past to sabotage the prosecution against John and Tommy. This reflects his desire to seek justice for their dark history.

14

The Courtroom Strategy

With Shakes and Mike's strategic maneuvering, they seek to bring justice to the guards. During the courtroom drama, characters such as Ralph Ferguson reveal their complicity, escalating the tension and stakes involved.

Courtroom
15

Aftermath and Tragedy

Post-acquittal, Mike decides to resign from his legal career, seeking a simplistic life as a carpenter. Meanwhile, the past continues to haunt the group, leading to John's premature death due to alcoholism and Tommy's violent demise soon after.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 12:13

Unlock the Full Story of Sleepers

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Sleepers Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sleepers, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Sleepers Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sleepers

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Sleepers. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sleepers

More About Sleepers

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More About Sleepers

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