Watching “”Monster’s Ball”” is a slow, deliberate process, but a richly rewarding one. Understated in both tone and dialogue, the principal actors, Billy Bob Thornton and Halle Berry, shine as their characters deal with their dreadful lives.

Set in rural Georgia, “”Monster’s Ball”” sends a message not only about racism and prejudice, but also about despair, renewal and love.

Hank Grotowski (Thornton) is a death row correctional officer who is in charge of executing Lawrence Musgrove (Sean “”P. Diddy”” Combs). Working with Hank is his son Sonny (Heath Ledger).

Hank lives his life the way his racist and prejudicial father did.

The execution adds to the growing despair and frustration for the convict’s wife, Leticia (Berry), and son, Tyrell.

After a string of tragedies that forces Hank and Leticia together, they form a connection that neither knew could exist. However, Leticia doesn’t know that it was Hank who performed her husband’s execution.

Although the film uses the tried-and-true story of the butterfly emerging from the cocoon, what sets it apart is the nonconfrontational approach that director Marc Forster applies. The resulting film sends a strong message without needing a sledgehammer to force the audience into submission.

Gossip that both Thornton and Berry will receive many acting awards is no surprise. They show perfect chemistry, not of lustful lovers but of gradual acceptance.

The connection doesn’t feel like a compressed dramatization to fit within the length of a standard film. With scarce lines, both performers capture the essence of a real, methodical relationship brewing with all its trials and errors.

Even in the climactic end, the film doesn’t force a confrontation that neatly wraps everything up. The film leaves questions about their love for each other — questions, that in reality, exist all the time.

Like all relationships, the film is deeply touching and moving. It just requires a bit of time and patience to develop.

Monster’s Ball

***

Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Halle Berry, Heath Ledger and Sean Combs

In theaters Feb. 8

Rated R