An intense crime thriller adapted from Dennis Lehane’s bestseller, Mystic River is both raw and uncompromising in its Boston-set narrative.
A tough, strutting Sean Penn (21 Grams, Milk) is queen bee in his working-class neighbourhood, so when his teenage daughter is found murdered in a local park, the community is left reeling. Former schoolfriend, Detective Sean Devine (Kevin Bacon – Footloose, Black Mass) is placed in charge of the case. Tensions, antagonisms and a demand for justice, local-style, quickly rise to the surface – with the third boyhood pal, Dave (Tim Robbins – Marjorie Prime, The Player), firmly centre stage.
A brooding drama of tragic proportions, grief and anger is palpable in Penn’s performance as Bacon and Robbins are drawn into the maelstrom of determination around him. The result is a compelling, character-heavy texture of a film from director Clint Eastwood (Unforgiven, Gran Torino) at the top of his game.
Nominated for 6 Oscars in 2004 including best film, director, supporting actress (Marcia Gay Harden) and adapted screenplay; won 2 – best actor (Penn), supporting actor (Robbins).
Rating: 74%
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