Black Snake Moan is the type of movie that, in theory, shouldn't be successful or lauded as a great piece of cinema. The premise of a black man having a white woman chained to a radiator is enough to have the country up in arms. That isn't the main focal point, but it does serve as a vital metaphor to the overall landscape of the film. It involves so much more that it helps you rethink how the downtrodden and beaten-up people of the world are treated, and how important it is to realize how our actions affect us.

The South is utilized as a well-placed background for the story of Rae, a local junkie who suffers with extreme sexual tendencies, and Lazurus, the town's resident bluesman who recently saw his marriage dissolve. He finds Rae on the side of the road after a night of debauchery and tends to her recovery. In the process, he discovers how she got to the state she is in and takes it upon himself to "cure" Rae of her wicked ways. His methods, however extreme they may be, help start the process of Rae's road to self-discovery and redemption.

Director Craig Brewer goes back to using the South in the summertime as a great medium to bring life to this story as he did in Hustle & Flow. While Samuel L. Jackson gives one of his strongest performances since Pulp Fiction, more of the recognition should go to Christina Ricci playing the role of Rae. Within each scene, she brings out a constant conflict of innocence and immorality with each look and glance. Given Ms. Ricci's previous films, I wasn't sure if she was the right fit, but throughout the whole movie you see Ricci take Rae and progress the need for change as her relationship with Laz becomes more of a father/daughter than a mate-to-mate.

Jackson pursues his role with much needed angst and subtle retribution. Mixing in biblical connotations with personal convictions, he defines Laz as a man searching for his own answers and going through an unorthodox way of teaching a lesson in forgiveness and grace. Not only is he the teacher, he is also the student, having his trusted pastor come in and give him the needed wisdom and push to help Rae as well as Laz himself. A definite nod should go to singer Justin Timberlake as he continues to build his credit of films with a solid performance as Rae's anxiety-ridden boyfriend. While his role was minimal in a sense, he made it count when it was needed.

Ultimately, this film is full of spiritual, but non-religious imagery. The overall message of grace and redemption isn't lost in translation; rather it's magnified by a real portrayal of humans who have gone to hell and back and want to make things right. Never an easy task, they come to know they will never be able to reach the place they want to be at alone. The film transmits a strong message of how important it is to have someone in your life to continue the pursuit of forgiveness and self-fulfillment. It is a lesson that should be practiced by all, regardless of religion.