After launching a frontal assault on intelligent film making with “The Bridges of Madison County”,  Clint Eastwood redeems himself with this beautifully directed psychodrama. Mystic River explores the complexities of human relations, following three kids from the playground to the difficultities of living an adult life in the very same neighborhood in which their experience with the vagaries of life started. The film keeps you at the edge of the seat because you realize that any second one of the characters may take a step over the edge and fall into an deep abyss from which they may never be able to return.  Eastwood assembled a great cast of actors who show off how well they kwow their craft.