Sling Blade

Movie review by S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
Sling Blade Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Intense family drama with strong language, some violence.

R 1996 134 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 15+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 3 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this intense drama focuses on a mentally disabled man, Karl, who tries to build a life in his rural Arkansas hometown after spending 20 years in a psychiatric hospital for a brutal murder. He forms a surprisingly touching bond with a 12-year-old boy, and moves into the dysfunctional home the boy shares with his mom and her abusive boyfriend. There's plenty of sexual talk, swearing ("f--k," "p-ssy," "s--t"), and some drinking, as well as a few disturbing scenes of shocking violence.

Community Reviews

IceMom007
IceMom007 Adult
September 20, 2020
age 13+

Surprising message

I watched this with my Dad at a young age and it’s one of our favorites. I have now watched it with my 10 and 12 year old and while yes, there is language and inappropriateness from one character in the beginning describing his preferences in female grooming patterns, and disappointment when the female was in fact a male.... there is no blood or gore. The age rating- what language are you comfortable with? The R rating is a bit much in my opinion. I think it’s more of a PG-13. I’ve watched PG-13s that have carried much heavier content. The character bond is touching and relatable. My kids loved it and will now joke with their grandfather and I about it for years to come. Mustard and biscuits and French fried potatoes may even be on the menu this week.
heather.parker
heather.parker Adult
November 22, 2012
age 16+

Awesome movie

This is one of my favorite movies, ever, but definitely not for kids.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Mentally disabled Karl (Billy Bob Thornton, in a stunning performance) is released from a psychiatric hospital after 20 years for killing his mother and her boyfriend and tries to find a place in his small Arkansas hometown. He lands a job repairing engines and befriends 12-year-old Frank, who is regularly terrorized by his mother's lout of a boyfriend Doyle (Dwight Yoakam). As Karl becomes closer to Frank and his mother, he realized just how dangerous Doyle can be, forcing him to make a fateful decision.

Is It Any Good?

Thornton is the main event in this film. He won an Oscar for the screenplay and was nominated for another for his amazing turn as a man who clearly can't grasp much of the nuances of the world but is well aware of his limitations. Despite the violent crime he committed as a 12-year-old boy, the adult Karl is a gentle giant who is happy just to be able to shop for toothpaste and eat at a diner. He clearly identifies with Frank, and begins to feel protective as Doyle becomes more and more of an abusive threat.

But don't mistake Karl's quiet and gentle exterior for either stupidity or passiveness. He may not understand everything that's happening around him, but he certainly grasps enough to see that Frank and his mom need some help. And while his violent nature hasn't been seen in 20 years, when he decides to act, he's capable of making some surprisingly calculated decisions.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Karl's decision. Did he do the right thing? Can his action be justified? Was it the act of a mentally disabled person, or was it a very wise and selfless choice.

  • How are mentally disabled peopel generally portrayed in the media? Is this a unique depiction, or does it rely on stereotypes?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate