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Search: Directed by Sean Penn

  • Flag Day (2021)
    Review preview for Flag Day

    As a snapshot of the influence parents bring to bear on their offspring it lacks engagement for the audience and takes the attitude that everyone watching should be enrapt by the self-importance Penn brings to bear.

    Richard Mowe · 3 out of 5
    A father lives a double life as a counterfeiter, bank robber and conman in order to provide for his daughter.
  • The Indian Runner (1991)
    Review preview for The Indian Runner

    Penn had a definite feel for the incidental details and the everyday rhythms of small-town life.

    Jeff Robson · 3.5 out of 5
    A State patrolman tries to keep his troubled Vietnam veteran brother on the straight and narrow...
  • Into The Wild (2007)
    Review preview for Into The Wild

    Penn’s camera loves the landscape and captures its immensity.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
    A boy goes to look for America (and himself).
  • Peter Gabriel Play (2004)
    Avant garde selection of clips and music from the former Genesis frontman.
  • The Pledge (2001)
    Review preview for The Pledge

    Having laid the foundations for a tense, realistic thriller, using documentary footage wherever possible, Sean Penn blows it with unnecessary camera tricks.

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 3.5 out of 5
    A retired cop investigates the mystery of a child murder, linking it with others, even though officially the case is closed.

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Festival coverage

Festivals
Cannes festival coverage, 2026

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