A mournful and effective murder mystery.

Rating: 9/10 (26 June 2010)

The film works as a straight-up detective story, and the acting is often breathtaking. Three childhood friends from Boston share a dark secret from their youth. Their lives intersect again when an innocent young girl is murdered.
Mystic River is a sinister, brooding story with a strong sense of place. Despite its failed aspirations to tragic grandeur, it succeeds as a whole, thanks to some fine acting in the lead roles, and director Clint Eastwood's ability to maintain dramatic tension. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards. Sean Penn won Best Actor and Tim Robbins won Best Supporting Actor.