Best movie ever!

Absolutely Brilliant!

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

Bastard Out of Carolina (1996) *** (out of 4) Graphic adaptation of the Dorothy Allison novel takes place in the South Carolina as a young girl (Jena Malone) begins to be physically and sexually abused by her stepfather (Ron Eldard) while her mother (Jennifer Jason Leigh) keeps overlooking what's going on. BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA was the directorial debut from Anjelica Huston and while I'd question some of the flow in the story there's no question that she dives head first into the abuse and doesn't pull any punches. This here is a pretty hard film to watch because of how graphic it is towards the abuse in the film. I was really shocked at how much detail was shown when it came to the abuse because most of the time the camera pulls away with a child involved but that wasn't the case here. It's clear that Huston wanted to show how horrid the abuse of a child was and this here was shown and it certainly wasn't easy to watch. The film really benefits from some incredibly strong performances with Malone leading the way as the abused girl. She's completely believable in the part and it was certainly needed because the actress really makes you feel that she's this smart little girl being forced to grow up quickly because of her situation. Jennfier Jason Leigh also turns in a powerful performance as the mother who can't leave her husband even though he's hurting her daughter. Eldard is a complete slime here and perfectly captures the spirit of the character. We also get strong supporting performances by Michael Rooker, Lyle Lovett, Glenn Headly, Grace Zabriske, Diane Scarwid and Pat Hingle. Christina Ricci appears in one scene. I think there were times when the film didn't flow as good as it could have but there's no question that Huston gets her message across. The film is hard to recommend to most people due to how depressing and graphic it is but those who do sit through the film will be rewarded with a strong picture.

I have watched the Lifetime TV movie "Bastard out of Carolina" several times and have been amazed at the depth that this character Bone is portrayed and the talent needed to carry off such a role. Her depth as an actress is remarkable not only for her talent for her talent at such a tender age. I have often thought that the actress must have been very strong to do such a 'dark' role like she does. Ms. Malone's portrayal of a young girl that perserveres through the loss of a loving father and multiform abuse of a stepfather while still being able to love and have a hope that shines through. Too many movies lack depth of storyline or character but I really do enjoy watching this movie over and over again. My very best to Jena Malone on her career.

I remember seeing this as a kid and i was disturbed and worried for the then young Jenna Malone. I watched the behind the scenes when it aired. The character that plays the father was talking about that car scene and how scared he was to do it because Jenna was so young. The whole movie was an honest gritty portrayal of what it is like to be abused and the shame that goes along with it. It was honestly acted from all parts including the guilt complex of the aggressor. and the attempts at remorse but tortured past that allows no leeway without counseling to find a way out. I highly recommend this movie to any child social psychologist or caring person because its an important issue where 1 in 10 kids will be abused by someone in there life and a high percentage of those children will be abused by a family member or someone close. I make it a point to see almost every film by Jenna Malone because if a child at that age can have that large of a range of acting and outshine all cast members than she deserves my support.

I saw this on Lifetime a few nights ago. It tells the story of a young girl born to an unwed mother into a family that society would classify as "white trash" who becomes the target of her stepfather's wrath and inappropriate attentions.The story itself is, of course, extremely upsetting. Tales of child abuse always are, and the abuse was pretty violent. It was, however, very well acted. Jena Malone did an awesome job as "Bone", the young victim. Ron Eldard managed to really make you hate him. One minute he is vicious and violent toward Bone, the next he is whining and sobbing pathetically to his wife (her mother) that he can't live without her. Most of the rest of the cast did an pretty good job as well.In spite of being well told and acted, it was in many ways infuriating. Anney, Bone's mother, was willing to let her child be abused or ship her off to relatives rather than kick out the scumbag. And Bone's large extended family was very loving toward her and DID try to provide her with a safe haven when things got bad but one aunt sent her back knowing she was being molested and one refused to tell the sheriff what had happened after the child ended up in the hospital after a beating and rape attempt. Given a choice between an innocent child and their sister (Bone's mother) who was too stupid to dump her loser and abuser husband, they picked their sister. Sad and pathetic. One wonders how many kids in the real world find themselves in Bone's position...at the mercy of adults who don't have the guts to do what is right.