Mystic River (2003)

Director: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon

The tragic murder of a 19-year-old girl reunites three childhood friends still living in Boston–the victim’s gangster father, a detective, and the disturbed man they both suspect of killing her.

When three kids – Jimmy, Sean, and Dave – write their names in wet cement, Dave is kidnapped by men who pretend to be the police. He is then sexually abused for days before he manages to escape.

Years later, Jimmy is a gangster and he has a beautiful 19-year old daughter, Katie. One night, Katie goes out with friends but doesn’t return. Meanwhile, Dave, who saw Katie in a bar the night of her disappearance, returns home bloodied. He tells his wife a robber stabbed him, and he believes he might have killed the robber when he retaliated.

Sean – now a detective – investigates Katie’s disappearance. When she is found murdered, evidence points to Dave – and Sean wants to avenge his daughter’s death. Dave’s wife is also becoming suspicious – and scared – of Dave. As the investigation continues, the film gives the audience quite a bit of information to digest, with a few twists along the way.

‘Mystic River’ is perfect as a character study. It is an emotionally charged film with superb performances by an A-list cast. Sean Penn in particular was excellent as Jimmy. My only criticism is that I found the film a too long, with too much information.

‘Mystic River’ received 200 award nominations, winning 56 including Oscars for Best Actor (Sean Penn), and Best Supporting Actor (Tim Robbins). The film also received Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.