X
- 1996
- Not Rated
- Miramax
- 2 h 15 m
- 1996
- Not Rated
- Miramax
- 2 h 15 m
Summary A southern gothic tale about a man named Karl (Billy Bob Thornton), who's just been released from an asylum -- some 25 years after he committed a gruesome crime. He returns to the southern town of his youth, where his quiet, gentle manner and simple charm land him a job and lead him to an unlikely friendship with a young boy (Lucas Blac...
Directed By: Billy Bob Thornton
Written By: Billy Bob Thornton
- 1996
- Not Rated
- Miramax
- 2 h 15 m
- 1996
- Not Rated
- Miramax
- 2 h 15 m
Sling Blade
7.9
Summary A southern gothic tale about a man named Karl (Billy Bob Thornton), who's just been released from an asylum -- some 25 years after he committed a gruesome crime. He returns to the southern town of his youth, where his quiet, gentle manner and simple charm land him a job and lead him to an unlikely friendship with a young boy (Lucas Blac...
Directed By: Billy Bob Thornton
Written By: Billy Bob Thornton
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 26 Critic Reviews
85
96% Positive
25 Reviews
25 Reviews
4% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 26 Critic Reviews
85
96% Positive
25 Reviews
25 Reviews
4% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Like the eloquent, darkly funny dialogue, the film's characters, setting and cadences draw us into its world, with all its terrors and tenderness. What emerges is a masterpiece of Southern storytelling that draws a sharp line between good and evil.
A story that's startling, soulful and absolutely unforgettable.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 83 User Ratings
7.9
83% Positive
69 Ratings
69 Ratings
13% Mixed
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
4% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 83 User Ratings
7.9
83% Positive
69 Ratings
69 Ratings
13% Mixed
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
4% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Billy Bob Thornton's debut project is a winning combination of character development, strong acting, and a clockwork plot that manages to not come across as a screenplay cheat.
I must applaud every actor involved as the intimacy scenes between their characters emits a brilliant aura of compatibility between their conversations and the audience.
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Catches you up so firmly in its world that you find yourself accepting whatever Thornton presents right up to its deeply ironic finish.
There is pain, humor, irony and sweetness in the character, and a voice and manner so distinctive, he is the most memorable movie character I've seen in a long time.
(Thornton) does a remarkable job in all three categories, but what you're likely to remember most clearly is his performance.
Billy Bob Thornton wrote, directed and stars in this compassionate, occasionally funny, character-driven movie about a mentally unstable man who takes the best interests of children very seriously.
Thornton is sadly affecting in the film's central role.
The acting of Billy Bob Thornton was of such a high standard that my only impression was (in the dark room with the journalist) was that Billy Bob was born to act, no other gift was better expressed. The movie had me in tears, it was a subtle performance, it is a sophisticated performance it is a human tale of suffering and just being despite how the world tries to label
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It will probably go down in film history as Thorton's magnum opus. He is immediately convincing and captivating as Karl, one of the most complex characters I've ever seen in a film, which is ironic to the utmost extent. The script is simple but powerful, nevertheless. And the supporting cast, Lucas Black, John Ritter, and a masterful Dwight Yoakam, is absolutely phenomenal. There are a lack of suitable hyperboles to describe simply the talent in Sling Blade, in acting, writing, and directing.
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Billy Bob Thornton succesfully makes himself a centre of this film : a director, a screenwriter and a leading role, but you will clearly remember one of those, an extraordinary performance. A tagline : "Sometimes a hero comes from the most unlikely place." may has a different point of view, beautiful and dark come up, but it's nothing to do to this film. This film makes Southern storytelling / drama genre more powerful and stronger.
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This film manages to be beautiful and dark all at the same time. Although it's very intense in places and really puts you on edge with heightened emotion and great acting, it leaves you feeling warm and with a refreshed love of humanity. Thornton's performance is so hauntingly amazing that you hardly even recognise him as Carl. His entire body and persona becomes transformed, more so than any other actor playing any part I've seen. The young Lucas Black gives a phenomenal performance as Frank as well. He's just so natural. I really can't praise this film enough. Thornton is a genius in my eyes and it's perfectly clear how he managed to bag himself Angelina Jolie at one point.
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A masterful script. Outstanding acting Thorton is spellbinding in the lead role. His opening scene is without doubt the best I've seen.This is storytelling at its finest and directed with confidence, conviction and ease. Light and shade, humour and a fierce undercurrent of tension. To every film fan watch it now!
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Production Company
Miramax,
Shooting Gallery
Release Date Nov 27, 1996
Duration 2 h 15 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Tagline Sometimes a hero comes from the most unlikely place.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Chlotrudis Awards
• 2 Wins & 5 Nominations
20/20 Awards
• 4 Nominations
