Mystic River

J. O.

The masterful direction we all expect from Eastwood, though the script leaves much to be desired in the way of Dave - and how his relationship with his childhood friends disintegrated. Seems like a crucial part of his character was missing, and means we don't care what happens to him. Nonetheless, a dark and grisly crime drama.

Dave

One of the most depressing films I've seen, but a great one nonetheless. The predestined fatalistic finale hangs over everything else that takes place. Nothing fancy from Eastwood here - he just lets the images and the talented actors tell the story.

Harry Rossi

Besides an ending that I really didn't understand this film ended up being pretty damn good. Performances were awesome (obviously, with that cast!) and the script was pretty damn good too. Like I said, really really enjoying it up until the last 10 minutes, which really confused me. But anyway, gripping, dark and at times powerful.

Zachary T.

Remains one of the most complete and honest films about sexual abuse I've seen. The subject matter is handled with maturity and respect -- it isn't just a hot-button boon to attract "serious" filmgoers, here -- but "Mystic River" is hardly a Hollywood darling. The cynicism and anger felt by the abused is woven into the mood and disposition of the entire picture.

WhatsUpWill

Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon are surprisingly pretty good in this. But Sean Penn is a total ham! The story has its moments, but it still drags a lot.

Zachary W

It's an interesting movie, I suppose, but Tim Robbins is really the only thing that stands out as particularly admirable or distinct.

Bizzskip Nurse

"So, ok, Dave is not on our gank, so it's like realistic interpretation of crime, selfishness, justice, friendship and rules of this bittersweet world." i'm sorry but it doesn't mean you suddenly remove one character without we even know more about him and add a Hollywood-safe-preachy ending after what happened.

Filipe F. Coutinho

This did not hold up upon rewatch. Lehane is a masterful writer, one of the all-time references in crime fiction. Perhaps because of that it’s so disappointing that the mystery at the center of Mystic River is so underwhelming. I haven’t read the novel, but I suspect this isn’t Lehane’s fault. His writing is dense, detail-oriented, often hard-boiled, and always deeply impactful. (cont'd)