Review of Monster's Ball (2001) by Michael G — 17 Aug 2011

Monster's ball is a conventional sad movie which has those sad moments falling in place so conveniently. So as a story, it neither has freshness nor it is smart but has easy pacing. But all these can be overlooked because of terrific performances from the lead pair especially Halle Berry (Leticia Musgrove) and watching her act left me in awe. Sadness of loss was shown in the most hard hitting way though it is a bit melodramatic.

The initial part of the movie about Leticia's husband (P. Diddy) last day in prison before he gets executed is so gritty and moving. Thornton and Ledger deliver their usual best.

I could not think of anything that could make the movie better, but it still stands as an example for how an ordinary movie can be elevated by brilliant performances.