Disturbing tale of a group of young boys growing up in Hell's Kitchen during the late 60s, who pull a prank on an unsuspecting street vendor which leads to a serious accident on an innocent member of the public. As punishment, the boys are sent away to a young offender's institution (the Wilkinson Home for Boys) where they are systematically abused by the lead warden (Bacon). Years later when they are released, the boys (now grown men) seek to find the man responsible for their ruined childhoods.

Incidentally, "Sleepers" is a street name for anyone who spent time in a juvenile facility.

Wonderful cast, although a tough story and some over-long scenes do ware it down a little bit, but nonetheless, a bitter-sweet tale of revenge and corruption.