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Sling Blade (1996)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Release Date:
27 November 1996 (USA)
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Tagline:
Sometimes a hero comes from the most unlikely place. more
Plot:
Karl Childers, a simple man hospitalized since his childhood murder of his mother and her lover, is released to start a new life in a small town. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Won Oscar.
Another 11 wins
&
9 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(51 articles)
Birthday Suits: The Blonde and the Bookish
(From FilmExperience. 29 November 2009, 4:00 AM, PST)
10 closest Oscar races in the past 20 years
(From Gold Derby. 23 November 2009, 1:12 PM, PST)
(From FilmExperience. 29 November 2009, 4:00 AM, PST)
10 closest Oscar races in the past 20 years
(From Gold Derby. 23 November 2009, 1:12 PM, PST)
User Comments:
Thoroughly Thornton!
more (265 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Billy Bob Thornton | ... | Karl Childers | |
| Dwight Yoakam | ... | Doyle Hargraves | |
| J.T. Walsh | ... | Charles Bushman | |
| John Ritter | ... | Vaughan Cunningham | |
| Lucas Black | ... | Frank Wheatley | |
| Natalie Canerday | ... | Linda Wheatley | |
| James Hampton | ... | Jerry Woolridge | |
| Robert Duvall | ... | Karl's Father | |
| Rick Dial | ... | Bill Cox | |
| Brent Briscoe | ... | Scooter Hodges | |
| Christine Renee Ward | ... | Melinda (as Christy Ward) | |
| Sarah Boss | ... | Marsha Dwiggins | |
| Kathy Sue Brown | ... | Theresa Evans | |
| Wendell Rafferty | ... | Melvin | |
| Bruce Hampton | ... | Morris (as Col. Bruce Hampton Ret.) |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated R for strong language, including descriptions of violent and sexual behavior.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
135 min | 148 min (Director's cut)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Canada:14A (original rating) |
Iceland:12 |
Netherlands:16 (original rating) |
Netherlands:6 (re-rating) |
USA:Not Rated (director's cut) |
South Korea:15 |
Singapore:NC-16 (re-rating) |
Argentina:16 |
Australia:MA (re-rating) |
Australia:M (original rating) |
Chile:18 |
Finland:K-12 |
Hong Kong:IIB |
Norway:11 |
Portugal:M/16 |
Singapore:PG (cut) |
Spain:18 |
Sweden:11 |
UK:15 |
USA:R
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
A remake of the short film Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade (1994). Both were written and starred Billy Bob Thornton.
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Goofs:
Crew or equipment visible: When Jerry and Karl walk up to Bill Cox's repair shop for the first time, the Steadicam operator's reflection can easily be seen in the right front hubcap of Jerry's car. He is visible during the entire shot, which lasts about 10 seconds.
more
Quotes:
Karl:
There was a boy. We made friends.
Charles Bushman: Ha ha, I'll bet you did. 'Course I was never bent that way, I was always bent the other way.
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Charles Bushman: Ha ha, I'll bet you did. 'Course I was never bent that way, I was always bent the other way.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in "South Park: Towelie (#5.8)" (2001)
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Soundtrack:
Lonely One
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (265 total)
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A magnificent film! Watching Billy Bob, I was reminded of Bo Radley (Robert Duvall)in To Kill a Mockingbird. The irony of seeing Duvall in Sling Blade made it that much more rewarding. Yes, it's true, the ending was inevitable, but so what? The journey to the end was what made this film the gem that it is. Dwight Yoakam made my skin crawl, and Lucas Black as little Frank brought out my motherhood instinct. Protect that boy, Karl! And he did. This had all the elements of a great film: an unselfish hero who brings about changes in the lives of others in a meaningful way. Granted, had his mental capabilities been greater he might have made another choice. Given the circumstances of the film, there was no other choice.