Melancholy is an apt description of this film. It takes place in Mississippi during the winter. Its' about a woman with her son whose ex-husband has just died (from suicide). His twin brother also attempted suicide.These 3 main characters (mother, son and ex-brother-in-law) slowly undergo a transformation during this film for the better. Initially the young boy is mixed up in the wrong drug crowd and is giving his Mom a tough time. As the film moves along, she re-opens the store that her ex-husband had and the boy is gaining some equilibrium. We get to know a lot of what is ailing the mother and son, but there is not much revelation as to why these suicide and attempted suicide took place. There is also not much to explain the combativeness between the mother and her ex-brother-in-law.So the story moves along until….It abruptly ends.I thought there was something the matter with the DVD. Did they run out of money? Was it a budget cut?

Life is hard for a pimp. It is also hard for a poor mother (Tarra Riggs) to deal with after the suicide of her husband.The twin/brother-in-law (Micheal J. Smith Sr.) is so depressed that he might just follow his brother, and her youngest (JimMyron Ross ) is heading in the wrong direction. They have a lot to deal with, and the film is about real people and how they deal with life and it's problems and setbacks.The bleak cinematography really fits this film, as does the lack of a score. There is nothing to dance about, so why have music.The inexperienced actors really shine, and writer/director Lance Hammer has much to be proud of in his first film.Truly one of the best films of 2008.

The idea for the film was interesting and had a lot of potential, however, I thought it was lacking in many ways. The acting was very good, especially for actors who were not professionally trained and the shots were very interesting. However, the plot didn't seem to build or develop and frankly, I got bored. The end really came out of nowhere and certainly did not bring resolution to the story. I left the theatre feeling dissatisfied. The concept of having no written music was interesting, however the sound effects used sometimes overpowered the speaking and I wasn't always able to understand the actors.Personally, I wouldn't recommend it to a friend, however, it looks like I am alone in this, as it is getting very good reviews!

A movie about life after suicide can be very hard to depict, Ballast brings out the reality of life after suicide and the consequences of those actions. Filming in the South was excellent. The realness of what can happen after suicide was depicted in James' character. So many kids who loose a parent (especially a father) turn to the rough side of life. Marlee and Lawrence's characters were so real. Both of them should be commended for their acting skills. This is a must see film. The entire cast was very good. Lance Hammer did an excellent job in writing, directing, and producing this film.I was wondering if this was written from true accounts? The plot is so real to what is happening today, especially in the south. James and Lawrence's characters were very believable. Using local non-professional actors was risky, but all of them did an awesome job. There is so much talent in the south. Kudos to the entire cast including those who spoke only by body language.I hope this film wins lots of awards. I hope to see more of Lance Hammer's work.