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Beautiful, moving film.

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

A series of scenic shots of a dilapidated rural community: Karl Childers awkwardly walks, turns and stares directly into the camera; capturing the viewer into his world. Billy Bob Thornton wrote, directed and starred in this intense character study of an anti-hero Karl Childers, a slightly mentally-handicapped man just released from the "nervous hospital" after killing his mother and her lover many years beforehand. Thornton creates such a captivating and well-crafted character, urging the viewer to really get inside his head. Thornton's performance is elevated by the sheer brilliance in every single shot: from the blocking, to the long takes and right down to the well-paced editing. J.T. Walsh bookends the film with two disturbing monologues. This is the definition of a great narrative and a director who knows exactly what he is doing. Sling Blade is the mighty seed needed to nourish any film lover's eyes, heart and mind. S

Billy Bob Thornton is so amazing in this movie. He looses himself so completely that it is almost impossible to tell it is actually Billy Bob in the movie. One of the best acting jobs I have ever seen because he never seemed to be acting at all. I believe every person who wishes to become an actress or an actor should be required to watch this movie and learn from one of the best in the business. Everyone did a great job in this movie. But, I know from experience when you have an awesome actor in the lead everyone else works to bring themselves up to their level. This movie is a must see.

Sling Blade (1996): Dir: Billy Bob Thornton / Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Lucas Black, Dwight Yoakam, John Ritter, Robert Duvall: Title represents periods in the hero's life when he commits wrong when believing he is doing right. Billy Bob Thornton plays a mentally challenged patient at an institute about to be released into society. He committed murder at a young age without fully comprehending reality. He finds employment at a garage where his ability to fix things becomes useful. One day he befriends a boy and learns that his mother lives with an abusive boyfriend. Predictable circumstances follow where viewers are asked the wrong questions in the conclusion. Thornton directs, wrote and delivers a flawless performance as someone whose willingness to please result in fatal consequences. Lucas Black plays the boy whom Thornton befriends. Strong supporting performances from Dwight Yoakam as the abusive boyfriend whose fate is obvious, and John Ritter who is also good as the mother's gay friend who has observed the situation and befriends Thornton whom he gives insight. Robert Duvall is featured as Thornton's father. While a very strong message exists, it doesn't redeem its flaws. Viewers will likely arrive at the ending long before it happens but its delivery is effective. Extremely low budget but observant character study. Score: 8 / 10

After watching this movie, I just think, "wow, I'll never forget this..."You just have to see to understand. The plot is nothing riveting on paper. The merit of this movie is all about the wonderful acting performances. Besides Billy-Bob of course, I especially thought the actor who played the young boy was amazing. Ritter's portrayal of a flaming gay man is charming without being over-the-top.I can see someone disliking the movie, it is kind of slow-paced, and full of simple, unglamorous southern people living their unglamorous lives.To me this movie is about how difficult it is to live in this dangerous, complicated world with an open heart. It's about the banality of evil, and the struggle to cope with a world that's full of that evil: A world where the employer abuses the worker, then the worker comes home and beats his kid, and then the kid grows up to be someone who continues the cycle. A world where those with mental disabilities have nowhere to go, and where mothers are forced to depend on abusers to provide for themselves and their kids.Karl is supposed to be "mentally challenged" and "different", but I interpret his role as representing the inner child inside of all of us. Throughout the movie he demonstrates a simple kind of wisdom, he is the voice of common-sense. I thought the movie would be about him getting into conflicts due to misunderstanding, or people rejecting him. Instead his character behaves quite rationally, and he is adept at connecting with and winning the trust of the people around him. He acts odd but he demonstrates a level of social intelligence that many "normal" people lack. His characteristic tone of voice seems to represent someone who speaks from their gut, but is struggling and subconsciously hesitant to express themselves because they are just so full of feeling that they just shut down somewhere along the line because they had nowhere appropriate to direct and express all that emotional energy.Watching Thornton play Karl is touching because it connects you that simple, innocent, yet dangerous part of yourself. The heart of you that just wants to live life, enjoy the simple things, the part of you that dares to long for a world where children don't suffer, where there are answers and justice.