Solid, Understated, Top-Flight....

Rating: 9/10 (30 January 2005)

Eastwood, although not the rangiest of talents, understands perfectly, here, how to deliver superbly within those restraints (particularly as an actor). As a director, he frames the scenes very well - plaintive, yet effective, and - in a couple of cases - extremely artfully. Plus, the cuts are well-guided. He doesn't over-linger - maximum impact for the intelligent...no...for really any viewer....
I like the fact that he's putting out strong, and sensitive work at an advancing age. He's really easy to root-for here.
And his music contributions (the piano and orchestral stuff) are really very strong, and appropriate.
Hillary Swank is great - believable, endearing.... Morgan Freeman - well, what's not to like?