Watch A Prayer for the Dying

In the 1987 film A Prayer for the Dying, Mickey Rourke plays Martin Fallon, a former IRA hitman who is trying to start a new life in London. However, when he accidentally kills a shop owner during a botched robbery, he is forced to go on the run. As he tries to evade the police, Martin is approached by Jack Meehan (played by Bob Hoskins), a ruthless gangster who offers him a chance to clear his debt by carrying out a series of assassinations. Desperate to keep his past a secret and protect his loved ones, Martin reluctantly agrees to the job.

However, things take a turn for the worse when Martin is tasked with killing a prominent politician (played by Alan Bates) who Jack wants eliminated. As he starts to question his morality and the consequences of his actions, Martin finds himself in a race against time to prevent a catastrophic event from taking place.

The film is a gritty and suspenseful thriller that explores the themes of redemption, morality, and personal responsibility. Mickey Rourke gives a powerful performance as Martin Fallon, a tortured soul who is haunted by his past transgressions and struggling to find a way out of his present predicament.

Bob Hoskins is equally impressive as Jack Meehan, a cold-blooded criminal who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the most intense and memorable in the film.

Of course, no thriller would be complete without a worthy adversary, and in A Prayer for the Dying, that comes in the form of Alan Bates' character, the politician who Martin is tasked with killing. Bates brings a gravitas and complexity to his role that elevates the entire film, and his scenes with Rourke are some of the most poignant and thought-provoking.

In addition to the powerful performances, the film is also notable for its stunning cinematography and atmospheric soundtrack. Director Mike Hodges (best known for his work on the cult classic Get Carter) manages to create a world that is both bleak and beautiful, with stunning shots of London's gritty streets and moody interiors.

Overall, A Prayer for the Dying is a gripping and emotionally charged film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. It is a testament to the talents of its cast and crew, as well as a masterclass in how to craft a truly compelling thriller.

A Prayer for the Dying is a 1987 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.