
Monster's Ball
2001, Drama, 1h 51m
143 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Somber and thought provoking, Monster's Ball has great performances all around. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesMonster's Ball Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Hank Grotowski
Sonny Grotowski
Leticia Musgrove
Buck Grotowski
Lawrence Musgrove
Ryrus Cooper
News & Interviews for Monster's Ball
Critic Reviews for Monster's Ball
All Critics (143) | Top Critics (48) | Fresh (122) | Rotten (21)
-
Leticia and Hank come together in their grief, and when they do - when, in particular, they seek some kind of punishment and absolution in sex - it makes for one of the most intense, moving and real moments you're ever likely to witness on film.
November 12, 2018 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
This brutal movie is for adults only.
December 26, 2010 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
October 15, 2009 | Rating: 2/4 -
Forster's poised direction, as well as powerful turns from Billy Bob Thornton and the Oscar-winning Halle Berry, make this compelling viewing.
March 2, 2003 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
It's not a polemic on the death penalty, race relations or family dynamics. It's a character study that really sticks with you.
November 6, 2002 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
A serious movie made by seriously talented people, and I never quite came 'round to it.
July 20, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/4
Audience Reviews for Monster's Ball
-
Jun 02, 2017Not for everyone, this work requires thought and involvement, leaving those desirous of spoon-feeding disappointed. Excellent performances highlight this serious film that questions our propensity to simplify, to label things, situations, and especially people (including ourselves) in order to 'quickly understand' problems. Eye-opening and unforgettable.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
-
Sep 30, 2014A little slow but a good movie about loss and grief. Halle Berry deserved that Oscar.Max G Super Reviewer
-
Dec 31, 2013Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton go to disturbing places within a disturbing existence with race issues and suffering thrown in for good measure. Their uncomfortable love making is as messy as the situation that they find themselves in.John B Super Reviewer
-
Aug 16, 2013A film this emotional, and working in every way, is extremely hard to come by these days, because filmmakers usually do not pay close enough attention to the little details in creation a true human drama. Billy Bob Thornton and Halle Berry give the performances of their careers and the supporting cast of Heath Ledger and Sean Combs really holds up as well. Everyone brings their A-Game to this picture and it really does show. As an ex-cop falls for the wife of one of his death row inmates, death comes around every corner and the film becomes very hard to watch, with not many happy moments, if any. It is perfectly editing, the direction is immaculate, the script is far more than suitable for this particular subject, and the score of the film fits better than anything I have seen in a long time. "Monsters Ball" is easily one of my favourite films.KJ P Super Reviewer
Monster's Ball Quotes
Hank Grotowski: | I quit! |
Hank Grotowski: | "I think we're going to be alright." |
Hank Grotowski: | I think we're going to be alright. |
Sonny Grotowski: | You hate me. Answer me! You hate me don't you?! |
Hank Grotowski: | Yes, I hate you. I always did. |
Sonny Grotowski: | Well I always loved you. [shoots himself] |
Lawrence Musgrove: | I've always believed that a portrait captures a person far better than a photograph. It truly takes a human being to really see a human being. |
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified