I never thought I'd say this but Ben Affleck is a true talent!!!!!

Rating: 10/10 (6 January 2008)

And I mean that.
Its a tragedy that due to current events in the news this wont be shown in Europe and I can see why. But Im lucky enough to know some people in the business that got hold of a copy.
From the poetic commentary to the shocking twist that you don't see coming. Every inch of the script is written with a real understanding of the place and the characters.The plot keeps a steady pace which in some way seems to go faster than it is.
The acting as is tough and gritty. I kept finding myself thinking about on the water front with Marlon Brando to give you an idea of the kind of level and feel of performance I'm talking about. Casey Affleck shines and in my mind after this is the modern day Bogart. Ed Harris is eclectic and there is one scene outside a hospital with the two which in my mind will become a classic.
The film is beautifully shot I think it gives a far better feel of the darkness of the Boston crime world than the Departed ever did. But Also has a lot of affection for the place and people. Even the extras feel like whole developed characters.
I hope this film gets the international release it deserves and that Ben Affleck turns his back on a mediocre acting career and directs because after this he could become one of the greats go and see it