 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Sling Blade
- Review Date: November 15, 2011
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 1996
Common Sense Media says
Intense family drama with strong language, some violence.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this intense drama focuses on a mentally disabled man, Karl, who tries to build a life in his rural Arkansas hometown after spending 20 years in a psychiatric hospital for a brutal murder. He forms a surprisingly touching bond with a 12-year-old boy, and moves into the dysfunctional home the boy shares with his mom and her abusive boyfriend. There's plenty of sexual talk, swearing ("f--k," "p-ssy," "s--t"), and some drinking, as well as a few disturbing scenes of shocking violence.
What's the story?
Mentally disabled Karl (Billy Bob Thornton, in a stunning performance) is released from a psychiatric hospital after 20 years for killing his mother and her boyfriend and tries to find a place in his small Arkansas hometown. He lands a job repairing engines and befriends 12-year-old Frank, who is regularly terrorized by his mother's lout of a boyfriend Doyle (Dwight Yoakam). As Karl becomes closer to Frank and his mother, he realized just how dangerous Doyle can be, forcing him to make a fateful decision.
Is it any good?
Thornton is the main event in this film. He won an Oscar for the screenplay and was nominated for another for his amazing turn as a man who clearly can't grasp much of the nuances of the world but is well aware of his limitations. Despite the violent crime he committed as a 12-year-old boy, the adult Karl is a gentle giant who is happy just to be able to shop for toothpaste and eat at a diner. He clearly identifies with Frank, and begins to feel protective as Doyle becomes more and more of an abusive threat.
But don't mistake Karl's quiet and gentle exterior for either stupidity or passiveness. He may not understand everything that's happening around him, but he certainly grasps enough to see that Frank and his mom need some help. And while his violent nature hasn't been seen in 20 years, when he decides to act, he's capable of making some surprisingly calculated decisions.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Karl's decision. Did he do the right thing? Can his action be justified? Was it the act of a mentally disabled person, or was it a very wise and selfless choice.
How are mentally disabled peopel generally portrayed in the media? Is this a unique depiction, or does it rely on stereotypes?
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| Studio: | Miramax |
| Director: | Billy Bob Thornton |
| Cast: | Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, John Ritter |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 134 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 27, 1996 |
| DVD release date: | February 4, 1998 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | strong language, including descriptions of violent and sexual behavior |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
