Sling Blade (1996)

One of the best films of the year, and among the most memorable of the decade, "Sling Blade" stars Billy Bob Thornton as a convicted prepubescent murderer who, upon being released from the state mental institution some 20 years later, returns to his hometown -- where his reputation, uh, precedes him. Thornton, as "Karl," soon befriends a young boy ("Frank," played by Louis Black II), and quickly finds himself entangled in Frank's not-so-sweet family affairs.

The supporting cast and performances in this film are outstanding, including Dwight Yoakam (as Frank's mother's abusive boyfriend), Robert Duvall (as Karl's distant father), Natalie Canerday (as Frank's vulnerable mother, Linda), and John Ritter (as Linda's gay, supportive friend).

Thornton, who won an Oscar for his screenplay, created a character so simple yet deep that it's fascinating to watch how Karl interacts individually with all of the other characters. Just about every scene in this film will pique your interest -- and that's the sign of a masterpiece.

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