This film is far from perfect and many of the points made by its critics are true. But somehow these don't really matter - the whole is more than the sum of the parts, and all that. The performances from the four leads are mostly understated and achingly moving when one least expects it. I thought the writing was beautiful, thought-provoking, honest and real - even though some things didn't really add up I just went with it. I didn't find it slow, I was totally absorbed. I loved the music, complementing the mood. Shot during a snowy winter it is also beautiful to look at - a simple little scene of dropping snowballs from a bridge could have been so pretentious but instead just captures a sadness (rather ruined I am afraid when one snowball defies gravity in a ridiculous way that just seems ridiculous). This film has no answers, and is sometimes a little clumsy about it. But just savour it.

Very good film, I have and always will love Holly Hunter. Once again she is excellent and lovely in her role. She is an outstanding actress . I am not really a Billy Bob fan, but he does a very nice job as a killer seeking redemption (Hollywood style). I'm not really sure why Kirsten Dunst's character is even in this movie, but hey she's always good and nice to look at too. That leaves Morgan Freeman and he too needed a little more fleshing out. In all it needed more just more. But I really liked it, it's a pleasant if somewhat odd film. Billy Bob wants to make amends for killing Holly's brother, Holly doesn't recognize him? Holly's son wants to kill someone who tried to kill him. Billy Bob plays the "Scared Straight" ex con who is a do what I say not what I do kind of guy. Lusting after Holly, working with street kids. Morgan Freeman has a secret past and nobody recognizes him?,no matter how many times they see his picture. But it all ends OK per Movieland script.Happily ever after,(indy style) so I'm not sure why I liked it, but it held my interest and I enjoyed it and will watch it again.

I don't care what anybody says. I thought these was one of the only films so beautiful in form and attractive in style worth commenting on (besides i comment pure 10s). It is a beautiful story about a man that looks at life after having regretfully sined and figures that in his life, the sin he committed is so wrong, he will never be redeemed, no matter how sorry, or sad or repented he is upon his sin. the beauty of the movie is that it slips behind you and leaves him with the path to ascension before his eyes, proving that no matter the sin, repent and redemption is possible if the soul asks for it and that is what makes this movie oh so beautiful.With superb acting and directing and an amazingly extremist, harsh yet true look at life that acts as a dagger to the heart of the watcher who knows what he's looking for. Unexplainably good, just lets say tears fell out of my eyes, but not because it was sad, more around its excellence which i believe deserves a room besides those humanistic movies that simply explain just how people are deep down: not quite so bad.

A recently paroled convict, who as a teenager shot and killed a young convenience store worker, is left to find his way in society; he's offered a custodial job from a hot-tempered, streetwise pastor, and hopes to connect with the sister of his victim in order to complete the cycle of redemption--but he finds it isn't that easy. Billy Bob Thornton gives a controlled, emotional performance that comes from deep within. The film isn't quite in balance--and has some quirky, uncertain moments near the beginning that either don't ring true or just don't feel natural--but stick with it and you might find resonance in the extraordinary acting and the way the story arcs in just the right way. Terrific casting and performances, atmospheric production and locales, several amazing, emotional moments. *** from ****