Monster's Ball

Auch wenn der Stil der Darstellung der rassistischen Problematik eher diejenigen anspricht, die mit ihr direkt in Kontakt kommen, handelt es sich trotzdem um einen Film, der auch für den Rest der Zuschauer*innen interessant ist. Monster's Ball ist kurz gefasst, ohne sentimentale Szenen, die beim Publikum Gefühle auslösen sollen. Seine leichte Kälte, die für Sie ein Handicap sein kann, aber nicht sein muss, wird von der famosen Form (die Kamera und der Schnitt), den ausgezeichneten Schauspielern und der beeindruckenden und hypnotischen Kontinuität der Handlung kompensiert. Man langweilt sich überhaupt nicht. Der Film ist einzigartiger, als ich erwartet habe. Und ausgezeichnet. Ein Kunstwerk. Die scheinbar bescheidene und leise Abschlussszene war für mich ein Knockout. (05.01.2005)

Monster’s Ball is incredibly well made, Marc Foster did a great job here. The script is also worth mentioning – it received an Oscar nomination – it surprises several times with interesting twists. On the other hand, Halle Berry, who got an Oscar for her performance, pissed me off basically every minute she was on screen. It seems to me that she didn't breathe much life into her character, and left me with a very artificial impression – the only flaw in the beauty of an otherwise excellent film. (31.01.2012)

A very minimalist and at the same time absolutely captivating film that disarms the viewer with its absence of sentimental coating, its unbelievable rawness, and emotional intensity. Billy Bob Thornton is clearly deserving of an Oscar, but Halle Berry is fantastic as well. The issue of race plays a rather secondary role here, it pleasantly and, above all, effortlessly moves along with the plot. But the main focal point of the film is the breathtakingly portrayed fragile relationship between the solitary Leticia and Hank. One of the most intimate and personal films, as tough as a rock and yet as gentle as velvet. (07.05.2005)

This film has a very slow pace and is actually a romantic story between a couple you wouldn't expect to have a romance. Everything else is set pieces, accurate and not a perfect fit for the romantic concept. Yet more important are the performances. Even though Halle Berry won an Oscar for her role, Billy Bob is no less great. (19.01.2018)

An intimate psychological film that you don't often see. Precise directing, very good camera work, excellent concise dialogue, and a fantastic performance by Billy Bob Thornton in the main role. The psychological transformation of the characters and the change in their value hierarchy are portrayed subtly, almost inadvertently, through details. The atmosphere of the film is exceptionally strong, and the final quiet scene on the doorstep of the house is filled with emotions. Even those with more down-to-earth film tastes will appreciate the naturalistically conceived lovemaking scene between Hank and Leticia. If anything was lacking, it was Halle Berry's performance, who overacted a bit compared to Thornton, and when she was supposed to show great emotions, unfortunately, she overacted noticeably. She was strongest in moments when she relied solely on her gaze. Hank's transformation was also somewhat fast and straightforward. In life, it is not true that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but it takes time and requires a lot of effort. Despite the aforementioned reservations, it deserves an honest 90% and 5 stars. (25.07.2006)