Brilliant, well acted and directed, nice to see real films are still around

Rating: 10/10 (8 June 2006)

Modern films from modern directors are full of glitz and CGI. It's often hard to find a movie which relies on acting rather than how many ammo rounds can be fired off in a second. There is an exception however. Throw Clint Eastwood with Sean Penn and you get a great combination of brilliant acting and Directing. The story is very believable and every one of the main characters are likable. With Sean Penn losing his daughter, Tim Robbins as the once abused and now mentally disturbed friend, and Kevin Bacon as the copper who has lost his wife and is becoming sick of chasing after criminals all his life. Eastwood makes these characters come to life, through mainly brilliant acting by all the key stars. Oscars went to Penn and Robbins as Best lead and Supporting actors, nominations also went out to Eastwood for directing, and Marcia Gay Harden for her role as Tim Robbins wife. A brilliant movie which will leave you entranced in the characters and fearing for their safety. Clint Eastwoods best film to date