This turns out to be a very heavy movie that keeps you thinking:  about the death penalty, about racism, about prisons, about how suddenly attractive Billy Bob can become when he gives oral sex.  How did this movie get a R rating?  They show someone frying in the electric chair, suicide, all types of sex, and Halle’s breasts.  Don’t get me wrong, it all worked for me, but be warned that the themes in this movie are dark and violent and the images correspond completely.  The acting was superb, and I forgave Halle her embarrassingly (for me at least) histrionic acceptance speech at the Oscars after I saw this movie—twice.  On second viewing I noticed a lot of symbolism that had escaped me the first time through, as I was dealing with the emotional burdens of the plot.  The ending was clearer on the second time round, and more optimistic too.  Not for the faint of heart or children.  I give this movie 5 stars!  TNM 12/02

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