In a word ... sublime

Rating: 9/10 (11 February 2005)

Who would have predicted that Clint Eastwood, an actor who started his career in spaghetti westerns forty years ago, would mature into a formidable composer, director, all around film icon, and last but certainly not least, auteur.
Like a fine wine, Eastwood gets better with age, and this film is his crowning achievement to date. In some ways, it is an old fashioned film that echoes The Shawshank Redemption in theme, tone and texture; in other ways, it is thoroughly post-modern.
It is a sad film at its core, but somehow uplifting in its sadness, like a sad blues or jazz piece. Rush out and see it. It may be the best film you see this year!
Jason