This movie focuses on an eventful interval in the life of Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton), a man with mental gifts and challenges. He is a spatial relationship genius who can solve problems related to gasoline engines better than anyone the cast members know about. He has great respect for decent people and a powerful need to see justice in action. He can think clearly if given a longer than normal interval to work on it. He has been called mildly mentally retarded, but his behavior suggests a need to consider that he might be autistic. At age twelve, Karl discovered a man "having his way" with his mother. He flew into a rage and went for his family's sling blade, a heavy, double-edged and hooked brush-cutting tool. He used the sling blade to decapitate the man. This made his mother furious, so Karl used the sling blade again to decapitate her. This event caused Karl to be moved into a mental institution. Twenty five years later, he is found harmless to society and is released. He wanders about and comes across Frank (Lucas Black), a young boy who likes the unique sound of Karl's voice. Karl and Frank seem to understand each other and they become inseparable friends. Frank introduces Karl to his mother Linda (Natalie Canerday)and after an adjustment period, Karl begins to live with Linda and Frank. Linda is a widow with an abusive boyfriend Doyle (Dwight Yoakum) who abuses Linda in bursts of outrage and develops behavior toward Frank that seems life-threatening to Karl. Karl's strong need to see justice done for decent people competes with his need to avoid what got him into a mental institution many years ago. After the interval of time needed to think about Frank's home situation, the competition is over and a decision is made. This movie is a real corker. There is much to laugh at and cheer about. Thornton's acting as Karl is close to unbelievable. There is strong, life-and-death action involved that is revealed only in the sound track.

As the movie unfolds, we grow to care about and root for Karl in his new life. even though we know from the beginning why he was institutionalized. This is beautifully written and skillfully acted so that the characters unfold slowly amidst the well crafted script. I cried over Karl and the little boy he befriends and fell in love with the community that embraces Karl and gives him friendship, a home and a job. The horror of his past is never sentimentalized and we are left to ponder how very different his life might have turned out if he had had that kind of love and support all along. Very moving.

This movie is absolutely amazing & so hard to explain.its crazy but a guy deemed "slow" by others seems like the person who makes friends with a boy and tried to protect him and his mother from the womanizer who's just a jerk.gets drunk makes a fool of himself and....well he deserves what he gets by Billy Bob Thornton s character,its a heartbreaking and heartwarming story you have to see to really Appreciate it.amazing movie and a personal favorite

Wow is all I can say for Billy Bob Thornton for his acting in this film. It's proof that the man is incredibly talented. The story is unique and stands alone, and has you captured from the very beginning to the very end. A must have for any movie collection.

The copy I received was NOT dubbed in French as advertised. I bought it to practice French, as the slow and deliberate speaking in the film would be perfect for this. It does have Spanish subtitles, and so is good for learning Spanish because of the slow clear speaking in phrases.
The film deserves a 5 on its normal merits, I took off a star for the lack of the French audio track.

Kinda don't know what to say about this movie. Now I see where John Ritter and Billy Bob got to know each other for their next movie "Bad Santa". John Ritter was so talented. Both John and Billy Bob had chemistry which made Bad Santa so funny. You also saw it in this movie too but without the comedy. Bottom line, "Sling Blade" left an impression figuratively and literally. "I reckon Carl ain't never get'n out of dat hospital ever, uh hmm". ===> Billy Bob Thornton