| WEBLINKS |
 |
Find out more about "Monster's Ball (2002)" at the and at .
The 91Èȱ¬ is not responsible for the content of external websites. |
| SEE
ALSO |
|
Movie
- Top Ten
Our recommendations for this month's top-ten must-see movies!
|
|
|
While
her husband waits to meet his maker, Leticia Musgrove (Berry) is left to get on
with life and look after her obese son (Calhoun). She eventually meets the taciturn
guard Hank and they forge an unlikely but tender courtship. Their feelings are
all the more incredible as Hank is a half-hearted racist, thanks to the KKK-style
philosophy of his invalid father (Boyle). To reveal any more would ruin the movie.
Much has been made
of the pivotal sex scene, where our budding lovers shed their clothes for an explicit
bout of rumping. Surprisingly, rather than an excuse to see Berry naked, it ends
up being one of modern cinema's most heart-rending love scenes.
This is an actors'
movie and everyone acts their hearts out - even Combs (better known as rap star
P Diddy), who puts in a great supporting performance as the plot's doomed catalyst.
But the film belongs to the central pair, who fill their characters with such
nuance and pathos that any credibility strains are easily forgotten. This is by
far Berry's best-ever performance and Thornton reminds us that there are few,
if any, leading men who can convey sadness and hope almost simultaneously in just
one minimal glance.
Directed like an
unobtrusive spectator taking in a beautiful but dark painting, "Monster's
Ball" could have been merely an acting showboat. Instead, it's intimate,
gruelling, and in some strange way, uplifting.
"Monster's Ball" previews across the UK on 8th, 9th, and 13th June,
before opening on Friday 7th June 2002.
Reviewed by , 91Èȱ¬ Films
Use the link below
to comment on this film. |
