Sean Penn is predictably great in his portrayal of Jimmy Markum. His pained portrayal of the lost soul Dave Boyle is pure magic, seldom has an Oscar been so well deserved. I have always felt that Tim Robbins is the true gem in this movie. But still, after reading the book it was as if the characters gained one more level of depth. First of all the acting was amazing even the first time around. Is it a good adaptation if i like it more after reading the book? Should a movie stand so well on it's own merits that the book is not necessary? I don't know myself, all i know is that it all became so much clearer after reading the book. I don't know how i should interpret how my feelings toward this movie changed after reading the book.
I watched the movie again and this time it was amazing. I got a chance to read the book by Dennis Lehane and suddenly all the pieces fell into place. Sure the acting was amazing, but that was expected. I must admit that when i watched this movie for the first time i didn't really think that much of it.
