Some spoilers.
Because I have been so often disappointed when finally seeing a film that had been so highly praised, I met this picture with the preconceived notion that I would dislike it. Because of these lowered expectations, I ended up liking the work very much, completing a sort of self-psyche out. Anyway the acting was very impressive, as was the story (though you have to shelf the implusabilty of the plot and the overkill on tragedy). Unlike many I liked the upbeat ending and thought it a nice contrast to the ultra-depressing first act (when Berry is abusing her child I had was left chilled). Also the sex scenes were far from gratutious, they are the nexus that show the characters inner turmoil: The shallow prostitute tableus demonstrate the lonliness of their exhistance, the intital love scene between Berry and Thornton represents release and acceptance, and the oral-sex scene evinces Thorton's genuine intentions (as opposed to his father's harshness). A great film overall.
Because I have been so often disappointed when finally seeing a film that had been so highly praised, I met this picture with the preconceived notion that I would dislike it. Because of these lowered expectations, I ended up liking the work very much, completing a sort of self-psyche out. Anyway the acting was very impressive, as was the story (though you have to shelf the implusabilty of the plot and the overkill on tragedy). Unlike many I liked the upbeat ending and thought it a nice contrast to the ultra-depressing first act (when Berry is abusing her child I had was left chilled). Also the sex scenes were far from gratutious, they are the nexus that show the characters inner turmoil: The shallow prostitute tableus demonstrate the lonliness of their exhistance, the intital love scene between Berry and Thornton represents release and acceptance, and the oral-sex scene evinces Thorton's genuine intentions (as opposed to his father's harshness). A great film overall.