A Modern Shakespeare

Rating: 8/10 (8 November 2003)

My friend mentioned after this film that it resembles a Shakesperean tragedy. The more I thought about it, the more I agreed. This movie is brilliant in every way, from the writing to the directing to the acting. Many people went to see this movie solely for the acting (Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laura Linney, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, etc.), but, while acknowledging that, pay attention to the brilliance of Lehane's brilliant storytelling. Great twists and turns. Although the ending isn't enormously surprising, it fits right with logic and rationale. Great flick. Much credit to Eastwood for this career boosting movie.