Set in a bleak, racist trailer park trash town of the southern United States, this movie tells the story of a woman whose husband was electrocuted on death row (played by Ms. Halle "gushing at the Oscars" Berry), and the prison guard who threw the switch (Billy Bob Thornton). And yes, it is a romance. Oh my!

The atmosphere of the picture was so stark and grim that I felt thoroughly weighted down by the mood within the first 20 minutes. Utterly awful situations to be living in, on all sides.

Given the devastating losses suffered by both of the main characters, combined with the emotionally cold nature of their respective environments, I can see how they would come together for mutual benefit. And yes, there were a lot of touching moments. (Not intended as a pun, but I can see that it is one.)

Still, I can understand and empathize with what some critics of the movie have said (can't find the link right now). The whole thing left me with a bitter aftertaste, which I attribute largely to the glorified borderline (or outright) exploitation of Halle's character. She, being at such a severe economic disadvantage, gets sexually involved with the man she would eventually learn had a hand in her husband's death, and they fornicate on top of his freshly dug grave? (figuratively speaking)

I dunno. Didn't sit well. Still, I could empathize with both of them. And maybe that's the point. Life ain't the ideal. Far from it. Everyone takes what they got, and tries to make the best of it.

I can confirm that Halle did probably deserve the Oscar. A compelling performance for sure.

I'm glad I saw it once. High caliber film making in terms of story telling and technical excellence. It's not one I would particularly care to see again though.