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Monster's Ball (2001)

 -  Drama | Romance  -  8 February 2002 (USA)
7.1
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Ratings: 7.1/10 from 56,536 users   Metascore: 69/100
Reviews: 509 user | 154 critic | 32 from Metacritic.com

After a family tragedy, a racist prison guard reexamines his attitudes while falling in love with the African American wife of the last prisoner he executed.

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Title: Monster's Ball (2001)

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Won 1 Oscar. Another 14 wins & 17 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Taylor Simpson ...
Lucille
Gabrielle Witcher ...
Betty
...
Amber Rules ...
Vera
...
Charles Cowan Jr. ...
Willie Cooper
Taylor LaGrange ...
Darryl Cooper
...
Ryrus Cooper
Anthony Bean ...
Dappa Smith
...
Georgia Ann Paynes
...
Harvey Shoonmaker
...
Phil Huggins
...
Tommy Roulaine
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Storyline

Set in the Southern United States, 'Monster's Ball' is a tale of a racist white man, Hank, who falls in love with a black woman named Leticia. Ironically Hank is a prison guard working on Death Row who executed Leticia's husband. Hank and Leticia's interracial affair leads to confusion and new ideas for the two unlikely lovers. Written by Anna <annachan@amazon.com>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

A lifetime of change can happen in a single moment.

Genres:

Drama | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content, language and violence | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

8 February 2002 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

El pasado nos condena  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£486,017 (UK) (7 June 2002)

Gross:

£2,267,433 (UK) (19 July 2002)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (unrated director's cut)

Sound Mix:

| |

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie was floating around the studio for six years, and at one time Sean Penn was set to direct with Robert De Niro to star. See more »

Goofs

When Hank approaches Leticia's truck in the driveway, he puts a plastic gasoline can down next to the driveway. After she backs out, the can is gone although Hank has not picked it up. See more »

Quotes

Ms. Guillermo: You must love him very much.
Hank Grotowski: No, I don't. But he's my father. So, there it is.
See more »

Crazy Credits

Thanks to Sam, Austin, Gabrielle. Scott Lambert is thanked twice. See more »

Connections

Featured in Best! Movies! Ever!: Sex Scenes (2007) See more »

Soundtracks

"Broken Up and Blue"
(1998)
Performed by Red Meat
Written by Jill Olson
Published by Olson Girl Publishing (ASCAP)
Administered by Bug Music, Inc.
Courtesy of Ranchero Records
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

White Man's Burden Redux
1 September 2002 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

What are you repulsed by? Perhaps it's having sex with women of African origin inspite of the fact that you are a White male raised in a racist culture that dehmanises them. Add to this predicament, that you are a retired, widowed prison corrections officer who's only son kills himself because he feels he's failed you because he is not racist enough. Even worse, you become enligthtened enough to realise that .. you were ALWAYS wrong.

This is a brilliant story told from the rather selfish perspective of the White male. Mark Forster has directed a tour de force so intricate and psychologically honest that the story literally TELLS itself. Indeed, I'd bet this story organically spewed from souls of screenwirters Milo Addica & Will Rokos. They won't top this fete anytime soon. Such a gateway of insight only comes around once in a lifetime.

As a huge fan of David Mamet and Sam Shepard I am biased to appreciate a well balanced story, illustrated with terse dialogue, structured acting and effective filmic devices (i.e., the use of "white" paint", "black" coffee and "chocolate" ice cream in the film).

Any film student will also appreciate the poetic use of foreshadowing and irony in this film. This truly is SOLID filmaking that takes real chances with provocative subject matter.

The acting is superb more because of the Direction. To be certain: this is a Director's Film. Every aspect of Thorton's and Berry's performances is the result of very savvy Direction and attention to dramatic detail.

Kudos to Mr. Forster. I look forward his upcoming film "Neverland" with great anticipation.




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