A haunting storyline that keeps you gripped from the moment the film starts.

Rating: 10/10 (2 August 2006)

A Clint Eastwood directed masterpiece, which brings Sean Penn to his very best to achieve his best actor Oscar. A very moving and convincing performance from Penn overshadows what really are outstanding performances from both Kevin Bacon and Tim Robins in their own rights. This is a star studded spectacle which consumes its viewers until the very climax when the truth reveals itself. Three childhood friends go their separate ways when a tragic incident breaks the fabric of their friendship. Fast forward a couple of decades and the three are reunited under once more, tragic circumstances. Penn's daughter has been murdered, Robbins is the prime suspect and Bacon is the detective investigating the murder. The plot though also has room to involve such stars as Laura Linney as Penns wife, Marcia Gay harden as Robbins' wife and Laurence Fishbourne as Bacons' partner. The plot is full of twists and turns and is on par with such classics as The usual suspects for the gripping suspense that drives you mad with the guess work you undertake watching the film trying to foresee the conclusion of the film before you reach it. This masterpiece truly is a must see for all film fans, it has a great cast and a haunting storyline, what more could you want?