Mystic River (2003)
MEDIUM LEVEL VIOLENCE, ADULT THEMES
In Clint Eastwood's MYSTIC RIVER, a murder mystery in South Boston unites three men who have been friends since childhood. Grippingly powerful performances from the entire cast--Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Marcia Gay Harden, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, and Laura Linney--combined with gritty photography, an exceptionally emotional script, and a convincing working-class Boston setting make this film one of Eastwood's most consistent and penetrating works.
Though they live in the same houses where they grew up, Jimmy (Penn), Dave (Robbins), and Sean (Bacon) have drifted apart over time. Their distance is due to a disturbing and violent episode that occurred when they were children. Even now, as adults married with kids, they have never managed to overcome their fear and guilt about what happened. Dave and his wife (Harden) still live next door to Jimmy, who is married to a tough-sexy blond (Linney) and has three daughters.. When Jimmy's 19-year-old girl is murdered, he turns to Sean, who works as a policeman, and delivers an ultimatum: find the killer fast or I'll go after him myself. Little do they know, the culprit is the last person they'd ever suspect.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 137mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: |
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Member Reviews (281)
281 Member
Reviews
Jill
says
Powerful movie with a strong cast and good storyline. I had some trouble understanding some speech as well but enjoyed it just as much the second time around.
says
Yet another well produced movie from Clint Eastwood. Good storyline that kept a good pace. The only criticism was the difficulty in understanding some of the speech - particularly the kids! Sometimes we just didn't get it.
Kiragirl
says
Engrossing movie, but had big difficulties understanding the speech, would have given 4 stars otherwise
Robert
says
Yuk
says
Classic Clint Eastwood - social, complex, well-told.
Bavin
says
This movie has an unpredictable thrilling plot with great acting from all players. We catch a glimpse of the abuse of one of three childhood friends, and it becomes pivotable, yet understated, to how the story unfolds. They are still living in the same neighbourhood, but have drifted apart. The treatment of the rest of the film is in your face, violent, and relentless. A tough absorbing movie that will capture your attention.
Di
says
Excellent moviie - Sean Penn at his best
Kaz
says
This was quite a good movie although a little predictable.
SHay
says
Interesting movie, enjoyable
pal
says
excellent show - Robbins Bacon and Penn were very good and rest of cast-
marieles66@yahoo.com.au
says
Excellent acting, interesting all the way through
Pauline
says
An entertaining story but too much face-kicking violence. Marked down to 2 stars because of this.
Jo
says
I'm not sure if I preferred Sean Penn or Tim Robbins in this movie? I'm not sure if it was Brian Helgeland's script (based on a Dennis Lehane novel)? Maybe it was Clint Eastwood's tough direction? Oh I get it it was ALL of the above. This is a must-see and see again.
curls
says
Robbins, Penn & Bacon will look upon this movie as some of their finest work, a great story , kept you interested all the way through , oh forgot Fishbourne too ahhh what a great cast . you'll watch it twice its so good.
Loraine
says
What a movie! I thought the pace moved rapidly from one scene to the next, gritty, raw, real ... the contrast in the relationship between Penn, Bacon and Robbins as children and then as adults is a study in what a traumatic event can do to people and their interactions following the event. I really enjoyed Mr Eastwood's handling of this story and am now going to rush out and see if I can get the book on which this movie is based.
Alex F
says
Some good scenes and some WTF ones. At the end of the day it's a tad overrated, not Penn's best or Eastwood's best.
Knitting Jo
says
Very enjoyable, given the subject matter. Eastwood was able to convey the drama of early conflict without resorting to torture porn. Brilliant performances all around.
Peter E.
says
Excellent- performances were terrific. Clint Eastwood is a major director and should have won the academy award for this movie. Pity about the dvd we were sent as there was pixellation breakup 4 times during the performance. Still, all in all, worth watching. Highly recomended.
Gordon P.
says
This is classic - seen it three times now over several years. Clint knows how to make a movie that gets to you big time. Brilliant acting from all the players. 5 stars
Gary
says
A great message
Peter
says
Excellent movie, keeps you watching to the end.
Carolyn H.
says
Brilliant ... Loved it ... Own it
Cedric
says
rubbish
Nigel W
says
Well acted movie which allows the story to unfold at a leisurely and understated pace. The final scene didn't quite work but overall it held your interest throughout with its 'did he or didn't he" question mark.
Otto S.
says
gripping movie from start to finish, well worth the watch
Michael
says
I am not a clint eastwood fan, but certainly worth a watch.
Tina B.
says
This was a great film. Great acting performances and very entertaining. All the minor details were filled in also (except perhaps the reasoning behind the dibber dobber wife - as the catalyst for the conclusion etc her behaviour/character may have been explored a bit more. Still loved it!
Paul
says
Great disappointment. It could have been an indictment of self-righteousness, or a pleading for the futility of revenge, or the way abuse can destroy lives. But instead it is nothing but a linear story, grim and full of disagreeable characters, all served wrapped in the most inane soundtrack in memory.
Bob
says
My wife
Richard
says
Very compelling viewing!
Jo-Anne
says
A fabulous movie- great cast and director makes this a gripping drama. The 3 leads- Bacon , penn and robbins are incredible. I had seen this at th movies but wanted to see it again as I enjoyed this so much.
Alex H.
says
This story has a lasting effect on the fertile mind. A small corner of America shapes three men by happenings over which they have no controll.
Karen B.
says
Intense and gut-wrenching, Eastwood's direction and the leads' (Penn, Bacon and Robbins)characterizations drag you into the experience. Sometimes uncomfortable but hard to drag your eyes away from. Linney and Harden are terrific in support.
Donna Nagel
says
FANTASTIC Movie.Best i've seen in a while ! Different unique storyline that keeps you interested and enthralled right through.Amazing performances from a brilliant lot of actors - SEAN PENN is amazing as well as Tim Robbins.AND all the support cast ! DON'T MISS this one.I'll be definately watching it again !
Ingrid B.
says
The quality of the movie was not enjoyable.
Sandra S.
says
Sensational. Extremely well acted and a great story line. Not a movie meant to entertain but a movie definitly to get you thinking. Terrific.
Tracey K.
says
This was an excellent movie, really gets you in. Sean Penn and Tim Robbins were fantastic. In your face violence a bit much in places.
Debbie D.
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Gayle M.
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Ed V.
says
Only just a movie,Ed
Naomi P.
says
An accomplished piece, with fine performances and a morally ambiguous, disturbing ending. No neat finishes here, but things that keep you thinking
Anna N.
says
Elizabeth H.
says
My husband enjoyed this movie more than I did. It was a bit slow and hard to understand for me. Good cast, well acted, but not my type of movie.
Kate C.
says
Great caste telling an intriguing (and credible) story. I enjoyed this movie.
Bernadette B.
says
I had high expectations of this movie given all the awards and hype. I was sadly disappointed. Although I'll admit the acting was good by the three male leads (Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon) the story is utterly depressing. I don't need a happy Hollywood ending to enjoy a movie (in fact I would prefer not to have one) but this plot, where an entire community endorses, encourages and justifies murder and violence as the solution to any problem is morally bankrupt and frankly unbelievable. The notion that Jimmy (Penn's character) is some king of bad boy gone good for the love of his family is proven to be a load of rubbish by the end: he's a cold, ruthless person with no hint of remorse for the awful things he's done. Yet his wife convinces him he's a King. Ugh! Don't waste the 2+ hours on this self-indulgent story.
John D.
says
claire
says
Absolutely Brilliant!! The acting, right across the board was really well done. As for Sean Penn, I've never been a huge fan but I have to hand it to him, he was fantastic. I was really impressed. We were held right through the whole movie. It was a very emotional and moving film, tinged with sadness & a little twist! Highly recommend!
Bev M.
says
Sophie L.
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Jennifer O.
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Debbie B.
says
Disturbing theme - sad outcome but excellect acting
Suzanne W.
says
Loved this movie! Gripping!!!
Clare R.
says
Jennifer G.
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Anthony S.
says
Vikki M.
says
keeps you thinking till the end
Julie P.
says
Superb, beautifully acted gritty movie. All actors particularly Tim Robbins played their parts with intelligence and thought. The only actor who I found a little irritating was his wife who over played it. Sean Penn was good.
Bridget O.
says
Great plot, but tended to be a little arty & hard to follow at some points. Overall an excellent film which I would wholeheartedly recommend.
Deb
says
A great movie that keeps you guessing til the end
Stephen B.
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Rod L.
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Malcolm E.
says
What a crock. There is NO story. Boring as watching paint dry. i can't believe all the people who rave about just another killing movie.
I.T.
says
Brian F.
says
Fell asleep, not the greatest endorsement for a movie. Started out well, nicely atmospheric, but bogged down fast and became far too slow. The attempt to have the characters use a South Boston accent resulted in many lines being completely unintelligible - and I was born and raised in America and spent some years living in the Boston area! If I couldn't tell what they were saying, Australians would be completely lost. There are certainly better cop films out there. Overall, very disappointing, considering all the hype.
Madhavi
says
I had heard so many good things about this film, so I went in with high expectations, only to be disappointed. I found myself waiting for the movie to finally end! *sigh* Boring...
Edward F.
says
Peter B.
says
bloody awful
Yuliya K.
says
mystic river is one of these movies when you watch and after sometime cant remember a thing what was it all about
Emma J.
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Noel P.
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Tracy S.
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Ian W.
says
An excellent, excellent movie.
Vicki S.
says
Peter J.
says
Bertram T.
says
Great Film. My wife & I throughly enjoyed it. Don't miss watching this film.
Veronica W.
says
Wonderfully acted.
Kathy C.
says
Didn't realy like it.
Prudence B.
says
The story had substance and direction and I was fixed to the screen till the last moment. I was very supprised by the ending. Great acting by Penn and Robbins.
Susanne F.
says
jay devivre
says
Good old Clint Eastwood has turned out a beyond the norm murder mystery with a shakespearean flavour and scope.
Cliff A.
says
Great cast -gritty plot-with an unexpected twist.
Bev C.
says
Shirley M.
says
Excellent movie ending quite unexpected.
Margo H.
says
Worth watching. Good mystery and excellent acting.
Chris R.
says
As good as the reviews say it is. Really strong performances, an interesting story and the ending isn't too pat.
K.Jean H.
says
Had difficulty in understanding the diction.
Joyce R.
says
Fascinating story, though sad and heartbreaking at times.
Clive M.
says
Rivetting. Thought provoking. Atmospheric. The brooding, dark lighting emphasises the deep-seated and lasting effects of a childhood incident on a group of Bostonians ad their differinf ways of dealing with (or not) the issues that that incident had on each of their lives and their relationships. Materfull acting by all the players and Clint Eastwood the hidden star as Director.
Lyn W.
says
Florence R.
says
A powerful and moving story. Superb cast and excellent acting throughout. Suitable for "mature" audiences .
Jeffrey B.
says
Cathy A.
says
Well acted by all the cast and directed by Clint Eastwood. Two of the lead actors, Kevin Bacon and Tim Robbins, voice a commentary during the film as a special feature. Sean Penn won an Oscar for Best Actor.
JL
says
Ian G.
says
Great story line, intriguing, with a surprise outcome. Brilliant acting & direction.
Claire L.
says
Excellent film, acting superb and the ' realness' of the film was amazing, the way it was filmed and the setting.
Terry C.
says
DEFINETLY WORTH WATCHING
Margaret M.
says
Maurice B.
says
Enjoyed this movie
Deborah B.
says
A very touching and sad film. Fantastic cast and exceptional acting. A few twists keeps the viewer guessing right to the very end. Prepare to have all your emotions stirred when you watch this film.
Lindsay T.
says
Paul H.
says
Don H.
says
Graeme A.
says
Nathan C.
says
Karen S.
says
I found this a little hard to follow, it didn't hold my attention long enough and had to be played several times.
Belen D.
says
Jan M.
says
Great movie. It kept me enthralled till the end. Sean Penn is as usual brilliant, and Tim Robbins likewise.
Robyn P.
says
Not the most interesting movie.
Kevin M.
says
Charles T.
says
Sean Penn is great. Tim Robbins really sells his part.
Faye H.
says
A great movie.
Carmen B.
says
Katinka V.
says
Faye H.
says
Joe D.
says
Good storyline, just very slow getting there. I could have turmed it off after an hour.
Fiona L.
says
David T.
says
Jeffrey B.
says
enjoyed
Joan K.
says
Great story. Rather dialogue heavy.
Steve K.
says
Dawn B.
says
Not bad at all
Pam S.
says
Craig B.
says
Beverley P.
says
I found Mystic River worth watching and would tell others about it B.A.P.
Linda C.
says
Bronwyn B.
says
Tim H.
says
Laura B.
says
A great movie with a sad story line. Sean Penn is at his best in this one.
Heidie O.
says
Brilliant movie, I was never really a Sean Penn fan, until now.
Joan W.
says
Really didn't get into it as it was very disjointed at the start.
Lynne B.
says
Malu F.
says
James C.
says
Elegant simplicity - a Da Vinci in celluloid. Perfection in storytelling. A must for any modern film affecianado.
Lisa M.
says
Thought it was quite boring, doesnt really grab you, something to watch when there is nothing else to watch.
Edward D.
says
enjoyable although a little slow.
Typical Clint Eastwood direction and some fine acting
Melinda W.
says
Mystic River was a little slow-paced for me - the fact I went to sleep may give an indication of how good it was! I thought that the leads did very well with making ther characters believable but the storyline did drag somewhat.
Paula B.
says
I thought it was boring there are much better films dealing with this subject!
Shandos C.
says
Paul W.
says
David H.
says
Excellent story with excellent actors, gripping from start to finish, highly recommend this flick.
Vaughan C.
says
Great Cast. Intreging twists, Good story
Grace C.
says
Christine C.
says
Great movie.
John W.
says
Marilyn Mccrea
says
A real twister, this one. I was hopping from 'he did it', 'he did it not'. It held me right to the end.
Richard Lee
says
Denise Cooper
says
Slow moving,- not a gripping story line.
4th
says
Few plot holes in a thriller where Kevin Bacon outshines the overacting of others as a cop but hey it is meant to be an emotional film that could had done with a stronger finish.
renasof
says
What a pity this film got the hype that it did - in that light it is likely to disappoint. Look, it's a fairly interesting drama, a good film, with a very strong cast. But in true Hollywood fashion every emotion is so heavily emphasised that you get no sense of subtlety or restraint. Even the silent types are overly silent, if you know what I mean. In short, another American film that hits you over the head with a jackhammer in each scene so you GET IT. It was good - but 'not to be missed'? Come on, folks, surely not that!
Dianne Ashton
says
Jill Shepherd
says
Oliver Fonda
says
Fantastic movie, keeps you thinking about it for days. Quite a masterpiece from Clint Eastwood as a director.
Steve Birdsall
says
A fairly bleak, intense story, very well done.
Kelvin Aw-Yang
says
Great dramatic performances from the entire cast. One of the better dramas we have seen for awhile. Don't miss this one!
Dennis Griffin
says
Wonderful western, Clintreally brought the old west into your home.
Rebecca
says
Ok to watch but a bit long.
Maria Malpass
says
Great story, but a little slow moving
mja
says
A movie that has atmosphere, a great cast and a good storyline. Moody and atmospheric it certainly makes an impression
Miranda Calder
says
Steven De Visser
says
Suzanne Rosenberg
says
Good quality film. The actors were fantastic.
Laraine Jeffs
says
Brian Graham
says
A very good story line, when we finally managed to correlate the occasional bits of information which emerged. The movie was wrecked by the unintelligible American drawl(essential to keep one's mouth almost closed!) and painful whispered dialogue. We craved for sub-titles! What a waste of film!
Michele Mclaughlin
says
Jason Gibbard
says
Brian Mckay
says
Coralee Hayden-Long
says
Helen Louden
says
Gripping with beleivable ending
Bridget Sutherland
says
Stuart King
says
Tun Oo
says
Good story and very twisted.
David Hince
says
Meryn Pratt
says
Matthew Sullivan
says
Did I miss something?? A little disappointing given so many great reviews.
Drago Heler
says
Maria Decia
says
Best movie I have seen in a long time.Not to be missed!
Peter Lanzetti
says
Bruce Lane
says
Pretty good - Archetypal Sean Penn. No one to cheer you up though!
Yoji Tatsuta
says
Thelma Tschappeller
says
John Tourrier
says
says
John Tourrier
says
says
Laurie Pepperell
says
Waaay too long and slow to get to the point. Hitchcock never took that long to create good suspense.
Bjorn Friedl
says
Garry Harris
says
Powerful and unpredictable. Great performances all round.
Anthony Stanguts
says
Great direction, great acting, and a chilling storyline. Well worth the watch!
Tracey Johnson
says
Audrey Cowper
says
Robert Mcintyre
says
Very good adaptation of the book, well directed and solid acting from all top billing stars. Pleasant surprise - the very listenable score composed by Clint Eastwood.
Pip Page
says
Paul Daley
says
Xenia Girdler
says
A stunning film ruined by a all-too-predictable ending.
Lyn
says
Jenny Stephenson
says
Great acting.
S. Mullen
says
A great movie. A moving storyline with brilliant performances by all the cast under Clint Eastwood's direction.
Frances Green
says
Lorene Johnson
says
Brilliant acting - compelling viewing.
Barrie Beet
says
Well acted by all. Good story but movie moved slowly. Probably would have rated better if about 10 minutes was cut from the movie.
Richard Ang
says
Ash Skene
says
Lloyd Amat
says
Spell binding!
Kay Pietrantonio
says
I thought this was very excitng movie
Jennifer
says
I expected so much more from this. Was quite disappointed.
Shane Mitchell
says
A bit slow to start off but great viewing in the end.
Maurice Ambrosoli
says
Merrilyn Eyre
says
Peter Murray
says
AJC
says
Violet Fawkes
says
Loved it, excellent cast and strong themes!
Jim Gutteridge
says
Yvonne Wineberg
says
Tim Mezups
says
Cheryl Chant
says
Carmen Poon
says
David Robert Rylands
says
Maureen Robertson
says
Philip Chia
says
Rob Davies
says
Brian Pike
says
What a crock. For those who like good acting but no story and being made completely dismal
David Wu
says
Alex Rigas
says
Jane Hedley
says
Moira
says
Anthea Martin
says
Very slow to move almost inclined to turn it off except I kept waiting for the story to evolve.
Renata Korot
says
Matt Loxton
says
Not a nice story - but gripping tale.
Jill Steverson
says
Fay O'connor
says
Great Story & acting.
Scott Vallle
says
A very powerful film. The actiung is suberb, especially from Sean Pennn.
Graham Holbrook
says
Lalit Mital
says
Well directed movie by Clint Eastwood.
Terri Fealy
says
I lost interest half way through
Joanne
says
Tim Robbins steals this movie from the equally brilliant Sean Penn, well worth all its Oscar nominations, very powerful film with a tragic twist. Clint Eastwood's best directorial effort so far.
Carrie
says
Started off okay but then degenerated into an extended version of a tv cop show - and yes, the accents became a bit too much by the end. Overrated.
Robert Kilah
says
Well acted and themed. Good story
Janet Jones
says
This is a great movie with excellent performances from Sean Penn,Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon.
Joseph Edwin
says
Morbid and dark movie but good
Lauren Meredith
says
Christine Langford
says
very intriging movie and very sad for David one of the characters who at the end is willing to came to terms with what has happen to him when he was a child but get short my his friend for the murder of his daughter.
SM
says
Cecily O'neill
says
Vivek Krishan
says
Jennifer Mccoy
says
Patricia Curotta
says
Anna Mastro
says
Sean Penn played a brillant part in this movie. My husband and I enjoyed the movie. It is worth watching.
Trevor Harrison
says
Maurice
says
Gripping drama. Great performances from Penn, Robbins and Bacon.
Seng Kee Foong
says
Susan Scorda
says
Andrew Maj
says
Marg
says
Great movie, only marred by the final 10mins or so, which seem unnecessary and overly sentimental.
HK
says
Great performances and great directing by Clint Eastwood. Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon were unforgetable in this movie.
Lorna Grear
says
More a boys film.
Andrew Sheppard
says
Sensational acting and a couple of twists make this a must see movie
Phenix
says
It's a good, slow drama. worth watching!
Igor Zemtchenko
says
Adrian Barrow
says
Dr Julian Yap
says
David Flatman
says
Kathryn Hartigan
says
Matt Moran
says
Linnette Robertson
says
Excellent movie, Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon are oustanding in this movie.
Fiona Singer
says
Anh Nguyen
says
Marina Gurtzis
says
Strong, moving and gripping. Eastwood's direction was great. Kevin Bacon was excellent in his role, as were Robbins and Penn.
Dale
says
Worth the wait. Amazing performances by Tim Robbins and Sean Penn. Gripping.
Paula Rogers
says
I expected so much more from this movie. The acting was mostly over acted and it did not grab me emotionally. Disappointed.
Natasha Coxon
says
Neil Cradick
says
All the elements that challenge and as a result an ending that leaves a sour taste - Sean Penn is again a character I cannot empathise with - his trademark.
Edwin Wee
says
Truely Truely NOT to be MISSED
Natasha Tysoe
says
If you stick with this one you will be rewarded. Not one to watch if you want to chill. Needs some thinking.
Mark Laurence
says
An excellent clint eastword directed movie, about the past comimg back to haunt you
Christeen Young
says
Sacha Mckenzie
says
Highly overrated movie. Sean Penn does perform well but the movie is very slow.
Ella Manning
says
Deborah Plowman
says
Rather harrowing and almost unwatchable in parts (especially if you have kids) but excellent performances all round. Well deserved Oscar for Sean Penn.
Ray Warren
says
I found this movie a little disappointing after all the hype. Firstly it was definitely gritty. That's fine, but there was't enough light to go with the shade. Even the Church confirmation scene seemed gloomy. The emotional range of the three male actors also seemed overly narrow. Clint Eastwood seldom gives away much himself on screen and I wonder if he's influenced these actors to do the same. Penn's brooding performance was excellent but I found Bacon a bit bland. It was Robbins that seemed to explore his character's range more than the others and you'd think his childhood trauma would be an excuse to be more withdrawn than the rest. The plot line with Bacon's character's wife was also jarring.
The start of the movie was cut too quickly, not allowing the viewer enough time to latch onto the characters and their places in the plot.
The accents bothered me too. I know Bostonites don't pronounce their r's like other Americans but they all ended up sounding like George Costanza's Yankees Boss in Seinfeld.
I can't decide whether Eatswoon tried to pack too much into this movie or too little. I wanted to know more about the characters and see them react more to situations, but then I found myself getting too interested in side issues like the strange relationships with spouses (especially Bacon's)only to be cut short. There needed to be more focus on the main character.
And then there's the ending. Not a cliff hanger, not resolved, not anything really just a 'life goes on' ending. It seemed to stop short of the finish line. Perhaps they ran out of money. This is a powerful drama, but lacks light and shade and most of all cohesion at the start. I can't agree with the other reviewer about Eastwood not acting. At least if he'd starred as the cop everyone else would have seemed like they were over-acting.
It's definitely worth watching, but isn't crafted well enough to be called excellent.
Cinefile
says
Peter Tribe
says
If it wasn't for Lord of the Rings, Clint Eastwood could have added another Oscar to his collection for this powerful, intelligent film. From the first scene it gets under your skin and doesn't let go. The two oscar-winning performances from Tim Robbins and Sean Penn are mesmerising.