Mystic River (2003)

Mystic River: Directed by Clint Eastwood. With Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne. The lives of three men who were childhood friends are shattered when one of them has a family tragedy.

“This movie is a kick in the gut. Rarely is such a brilliant cast assembled, and even when it happens, rarely do they act like this. Tom Guiry (very impressive), Tim Robbins and Sean Penn show emotion that directors donu0026#39;t often stick in. And it comes off flawlessly. During a scene with Marcia Gay-Harden and Tim Robbins crying in their kitchen, there is an energy coming off of the screen that strikes you right in the chest. Which is really the way the whole movie works. It grabs you and shakes you, and makes you watch even when it can be painful to do so. The only reason that this film didnu0026#39;t win best picture is Return of the King. Any other year, and Mystic River has it. Eastwoodu0026#39;s finest moment. Check it out–you wonu0026#39;t be disappointed.”