8.0
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Sling Blade
1996·Movie
Sling Blade fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence5
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis7
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and family
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters and performances
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Sling Blade is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and family
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and family.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
The characters and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
A simple man. A difficult choice.
Karl Childers, a mentally disabled man, has been in the custody of the state mental hospital since the age of 12 for killing his mother and her lover. Although thoroughly institutionalized, he is deemed fit to be released into the outside world.
Southern GothicMentally Disabled ProtagonistSocial OutcastsRedemptionViolence and CompassionSmall Town LifeIntense DramaCharacter StudyClass Issues
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Sling Blade
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Sling Blade worth watching?
86
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 86/100 (IMDb 8, Rotten Tomatoes 96%, and Metacritic 85). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Sling Blade rated?
RViolenceStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is Sling Blade?
2 h 15 min
Sling Blade runs 2 h 15 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Sling Blade?
Critics91
Audiences84
Yes. Critics average 91 and audiences 84 out of 100, so both groups see Sling Blade much the same way.
Was Sling Blade a box office hit?
Budget$1 million
Box office$34 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $1 million to make and earned $34 million worldwide, 28.4 times its budget.
What language is Sling Blade in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Sling Blade?
35
+21
+21GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Sling Blade in 35 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Sling Blade use?
Establishing Character MomentMama's BoyJerkassChekhov's SkillSeemingly Profound FoolAbusive ParentsExact WordsJerkass Has a PointDid Not Get the GirlCrouching Moron, Hidden BadassMama BearIf I Can't Have You…and 100 more
TV Tropes lists 112 storytelling tropes for Sling Blade, including Establishing Character Moment, Mama's Boy, Jerkass.