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Mystic River (2003): Film vs Book
Film · 2003 · Directed by Clint Eastwood · Starring Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon
About the film
Three boys who grew up together are brought back together decades later when a murder touches their old neighbourhood.
How close is it to the book?
Close to the bookThe film follows the plot of the novel closely, with a few small changes, and keeps its heavy mood of grief and guilt.
Read or watch first?
The book has more of the neighbourhood and a longer look at the past.
What the book gives you
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
A gripping, emotional story about friendship and the past that grabs you.
Who will like it: Readers who enjoy dark, character-driven crime stories.