...a well-realized movie, but not for everyone...

Rating: 7/10 (14 June 2006)

This movie is sensitive, compassionate, intelligent, touching, and deals with a topical social issue- assisted suicide.
The acting is excellent and the direction is more than competent.
However the movie is also primarily naturalistic and goes to one of those places I don't find at all appealing in the art I seek out. I believe this kind of subject matter is better dealt with in television documentaries or news stories, not in cinematic art.
I realize that many people would disagree. But if you are one of those who don't like to go to a movie to be made to feel pity at a tragic spectacle- then avoid this film.
Clint Eastwood has sold out it appears...after being envied and vilified early in his career ( for the spaghetti westerns and Dirty Harry movies )...he has capitulated in stages to the establishment to the point where he has become an establishment icon.