IMDb 6.8 1999 HD

Life

Life

1999
Comedy Crime
108 min R USA
6.7 / 10
6.8 IMDB

Two men in 1930s Mississippi become friends after being sentenced to life in prison together for a crime they did not commit.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Ted Demme
Starring
Eddie Murphy / Martin Lawrence / Obba Babatundé / Nick Cassavetes / Anthony Anderson / Barry Shabaka Henley / Brent Jennings / Bernie Mac

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

engaging heartfelt injustice humorous resilient dramatic uneven strong performances compelling character-driven poignant lighthearted

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
May 12, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence headline 'Life', a narrative set in the unforgiving landscape of 1930s Mississippi, where two men find their lives irrevocably altered by a wrongful conviction. The film's strength lies in the undeniable chemistry between…

M
Marcus Thorne
May 12, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

'Life' presents an intriguing scenario: two men condemned to life for a crime they didn't commit. Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence bring their considerable comedic timing to the fore, which, while offering some entertainment, sometimes feels at odds…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 12, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

In 'Life', the formidable talents of Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence shine, transforming a tale of systemic injustice into a surprisingly resonant study of male friendship. Set against the stark backdrop of 1930s Mississippi, the film skillfully balances…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 12, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

The concept of 'Life'—two men wrongly convicted and sentenced to life—is ripe for potent storytelling. Murphy and Lawrence deliver performances that are both spirited and grounded, navigating the film's shifts in tone with commendable skill. The directorial approach…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 12, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence anchor 'Life', a film that grapples with the grim reality of wrongful imprisonment in 1930s Mississippi. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, providing much needed levity amidst the narrative's darker currents. While…

FAQs

The film 'Life' is set in the 1930s in Mississippi, a period and location that carries significant historical weight regarding social dynamics and the justice system. This era and setting provide a crucial context for the narrative of two men wrongly convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, highlighting the societal challenges and prejudices prevalent at the time.