Gifted Actors, Gifted Director: Great Movie

Rating: 10/10 (15 October 2003)

There are some films which are destined to be mediocre no matter how much talent you throw at them. This was not one of them. This is a great film.
The movie explores childhood, friendship, marriage, family and tragedy and yet is not about anyone of those things nor the sum of those things exactly.
Each performance is fine tuned. Sean Penn is so convincing as to be unnerving at times. Tim Robbins is subtle yet might be the most powerful of all of the performances. Kevin Bacon's performance is very strong as is Laurence Fishburne's. All of the female roles are fine and true to the movie.
Even the setting of the movie plays a role, almost like a character. I have seen films that I have liked better but I don't think I have ever seen a better film.
I highly recommend this film but a word to the wise (mild spoiler). This is NOT a Saturday night, feel good or first date film. You will want to talk about this movie after you see it. And probably not to someone you just met.