Monster's Ball (2001)

Synopsis:: Set in modern Mississippi, MONSTER'S BALL subtly examines the impact of personal loss and the transforming power of human connection. The movie begins in the state penitentiary's death row, where father-and-son prison guards Hank (Billy Bob Thornton) and Sonny Grotowski (Heath Ledger) administer the execution of a black death-row inmate Lawrence Musgrove (Sean Combs), who leaves behind a wife, Leticia (Halle Berry), and son, Tyrell (Coronji Calhoun). When both Hank and Leticia's children subsequently die, the two grieving parents are accidentally thrust together, where they begin to find comfort and eventually a form of redemption.Employing a languid pace and minimalist dialogue, MONSTER'S BALL slowly moves forward on the strength of the cast's performances (including a supporting turn from Peter Boyle as Hank's ailing racist father, Buck) and Marc Forster's understated direction. The complex characters are allowed to develop gradually over the course of the entire movie, making the film a richly satisfying character study rather than a quick, plot-driven confection.

Details

Starring:: Billy Thornton, Heath Ledger, Halle Berry, Peter Boyle, Sean Combs, Mos Def, Will Rokos, Milo Addica, Coronji Calhoun, Charles Cowan Jr., Taylor LaGrange

Genres:: Drama, Dysfunctional Relationships, Melodrama, Psychological Drama, Romance, Romantic Drama, Romantic Drama

Rated:: R
Runtime:: 111
Language:: English
Country:: United States of America
Year:: 2001
Keywords:: father and son relationship, gun, hate, interracial romance, prison warden, racism, racist, suicide, tragedy, waitress

Attributes ordered and rated by our clerks.

Well-loved movie

Character Depth

Romance

Downbeat

Complexity

Sex

Offbeat

Slow Pace

Disturbing

Violence

Cinematography