Multi-layered moral reflection required

Rating: Null/10 (31 July 2004)

Endings with complex moral ambiguities to them are an uncomfortable challenge for me,unless the film has some real substance to it,and this one sure did.Eastwood really stepped out here-he's sure not the moral conservative I thought he was(although "Unforgiven" was something of an unexpected detour for him).Although I might not have "agreed" with certain choices made by particular characters in this film,and that a certain resigned nihilism might have been its final message,it is still one of the best acted movies I've seen in some time.The themes in it will get under your skin and not let go for a bit.Incredible ensemble cast,especially Penn and Robbins.I'll be honest here-I would only recommend this film to folks with a higher than average intelligence.I realize that that's a sh__ty thing to say,but is it not the case?