2001, R, 111 minutes

Why anyone would want to see this film more than once I couldn't tell you. It's not that Monster's Ball is bad, in fact, it's pretty well done, but for the most part the story is so depressing it's difficult to find much joy in it. Set in the South, presumably rural Georgia, Billy Bob Thornton plays a prison guard who, between scheduled executions, finds time to not get along with his son (played by Heath Ledger), as well as his racist dad. Halle Berry's character isn't loving life too much either, as her husband is on death row, leaving her all alone to raise their son. Eventually these two characters form an unlikely bond in an unlikely place, and like in any good independent film engage in some raw sexual footage.

While the story is a bit slow at times, the ability to constantly show us what's happening instead of telling us is what makes it worthwhile - it never treats us like we're stupid by stopping to explain. Also, Thornton and Berry give two very solid performances, which should be remembered come Oscar time. I only recommend Monster's Ball to moviegoers who enjoy character-driven films and don't mind if the story wanders for some time before finding itself.