A rare film (in that it remains true to Dennis Lehane's superb novel) is blessed with superior acting.

Rating: 10/10 (26 October 2003)

After seeing Eastwood's treatment of Michael Connelly's BLOODWORK, I wasn't holding my breath on this one. I was more than pleasantly surprised, however. Nothing important has been altered from the Lehane novel. (It turns out that Clint Eastwood really did EARN that Palm d'Or award this film garnered at Cannes.) The acting is superb (especially Sean Penn's and Kevin Bacon's, but I found Tim Robbin's portrayal hauntingly realistic, in spite of the earlier criticisms of his role which I had encountered). Lawrence Fishburne was engagingly real, and the Chapman & Nelson duo as the Savage Brothers was riveting. And what a nice tip-of-the-hat cameo by Eastwood's old amigo, Eli Wallach, who gave 210% in his 3-minute role. Eastwood has elevated himself to the level of mastery on this one. It's been SO long since a combo of writers & director have opted NOT to "fix" a great novel that isn't broken in the first place. I hope it starts a new trend. Thanks, Clint!