I think this movie is supposed to be Nicholas Cage's Slingblade.
Nick plays Joe, a guy with anger control issues who is trying to keep his life together. He runs a work crew clearing forests in the deep south, and one day crosses paths with a kid who is abused by his father.
This shit is deep, DEEP south. Even I couldn't follow some of the dialogue at times, but I really think they nailed the proper spirit of the deadbeat arguing about how hard he worked that day.
There's some symbolism.
All in all, a slow-paced movie. But interesting. I'm not even sure what mood I would suggest you be in to watch this one. Maybe a lazy, quiet Sunday afternoon movie when you aren't going to be bothered for a couple hours.