Mystic River

Warner Home Video, 15

****

Clint Eastwood's best directing effort in a long time - possibly because he had the sense to stay behind the camera.

Long ago, two boys were horrified witnesses to the abduction of their friend. Now all three are grown but the horror that linked them is revived when Sean Penn's daughter is murdered.

Kevin Bacon is the investigating officer; Tim Robbins, an emotional wreck after his childhood abuse, may in some way be involved.

Certainly, none of the three will remain unaffected by the crime. Beautifully acted and powerful, if a bit soppy at the end. With featurette.