6.8/10
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151 user 63 critic

Perpète (1999)

Life (original title)
Trailer
1:39 | Trailer
In 1932, two strangers are wrongfully convicted and develop a strong friendship in prison that lasts them through the 20th century.

Director:

Ted Demme
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Popularity
3,667 ( 467)
Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 5 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Eddie Murphy ... Rayford Gibson
Martin Lawrence ... Claude Banks
Obba Babatundé ... Willie Long
Nick Cassavetes ... Sergeant Dillard
Anthony Anderson ... Cookie
Barry Shabaka Henley ... Pokerface
Brent Jennings ... Hoppin' Bob
Bernie Mac ... Jangle Leg
Miguel A. Núñez Jr. ... Biscuit
Michael Taliferro ... Goldmouth (as Michael 'Bear' Taliferro)
Guy Torry ... Radio
Bokeem Woodbine ... Can't Get Right
Ned Beatty ... Dexter Wilkins
Lisa Nicole Carson ... Sylvia
O'Neal Compton ... Superintendant Abernathy
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Storyline

In the mid-1990s, two inmates bury the burned bodies of two lifers at Mississippi's infamous Parchman Farm; a third old-timer relates their story. They'd served 65 years for a murder they didn't commit, framed by a local sheriff while buying moonshine whiskey for a Manhattan club owner to whom they owed money. In flashbacks we see this odd couple thrown together (Ray is a fast-talking con man, and Claude is a serious man about to start work as a bank teller), the loss of Ray's watch (sterling silver, from his daddy), the murder and trial, the hardships of Parchman, and the love-hate relationship of Claude and Ray as they spend 65 years bickering and looking for a way to escape. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language and a shooting | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Life is a cult classic among African-American audiences due to the number of actors in the film who became much more famous in other mediums after it was released. It is also noteworthy for its quotes that are used in African American culture. It is also enjoyed in White Culture and is truly a transcendent comedy. See more »

Goofs

About halfway through the film, the prisoners are watching a newsreel about World War II. After that, Can't Get Right arrives, and is scouted by the Pittsburgh Crawfords. The team existed from 1930-1938, three years before the US entered World War II. See more »

Quotes

Hoppin' Bob: [bringing new inmates into the bunker] Everybody, shut up! Right now, I don't want to hear a sound. Got some fresh meat for you right down there, take yourself right down there, find your ass a bunk. Move it! Actin' all scared. We ain't got no wallflowers here at Camp 8. Don't y'all worry none; ain't nobody gonna mess with you tonight. That'd take all the fun out of the courtship. You hear me, boy?
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Crazy Credits

Bloopers are shown during the closing credits. See more »


Soundtracks

That's All Right
Written by Jimmy Rogers (as James Lane)
Performed by Jimmy Rogers
Courtesy of MCA Records
Under license from Universal Music Special Markets
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User Reviews

 
One of Murphy's most underrated films
27 May 2002 | by SmileysWorldSee all my reviews

Sure,Eddie Murphy has gotten credit over the years for being the comic genius that he is,but he does not always get proper credit for his movie work.1999's Life is a good example of Murphy getting overlooked.He does great work here,along with Martin Lawrence(whom I am not a huge fan of, but I must give him due credit here)as two men wrongly sentenced to life imprisonment.This is an excellent story,and casting Murphy and Lawrence in the lead roles is nothing short of a perfect idea.I never would have thought of them as a great team,but I was pleasantly surprised here.A must see for any die hard Eddie Murphy fan.


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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 April 1999 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Perpète See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$80,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$20,414,775, 18 April 1999

Gross USA:

$64,016,268

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$73,475,268
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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