Monster's Ball

In this candid, gut-level emotional powerhouse of a film, Billy Bob Thornton gives a phenomenal, tormented performance as Hank, an embittered, racist, death row prison guard whose long-dungeoned sense of human compassion is unlocked by a shocking family tragedy. Although disturbingly unaffected on the surface, he soon stumbles into the most unexpected and profound relationship of his life with Leticia (the equally astounding Oscar-winning Halle Berry), a black waitress whose life is even more troubled and turbulent than his own. Leticia is the widow of the last man Hank saw put to death, but before the two principals discover their unfortunate coincidental connection, something both tender and carnal sparks sympathy and trust between them. Peter Boyle and Heath Ledger give equally notable supporting performances as Hank's malicious, abusive father and his hounded, hard-drinking son. Director Marc Forster (Everything Put Together) doesn't take the film in any of the expected directions and doesn't shy away from a jarring, complex, emotional authenticity lacking in most Hollywood fare. Highly recommended. [Note: The DVD features several extras, including a pair of commentaries (one with director Marc Forster and cinematographer Roberto Schaefer; the other--which is excellent--with Forster and stars Billy Bob Thornton and Halle Berry); a very funny four-minute "Behind the Scenes" featurette highlighting Thornton's on-set antics; an eight-minute featurette on the scoring of the film; and four deleted scenes. Bottom line: an excellent extras package for a fine film.] (R. Blackwelder)