The Good Shepherd - DVD or HD DVD/DVD combo

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Plot ... As one of the covert founders of the CIA, working in the heart of an organization where duplicity is required and nothing is taken at face value, Edward Wilson's idealism is steadily eroded by a growing suspicious nature, reflective of a world settling into the long paranoia of the Cold War. As his methods are adopted as standard operating procedure, Wilson develops into one of the Agency's veteran operatives, all the while combating his KGB counterpart. However, his steely dedication to his country comes at an ever-increasing price. Not even his wife Clover or his beloved son can divert Wilson from a path that will force him to sacrifice everything in pursuit of this job.

Cast ... Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, William Hurt, Alec Baldwin

Thoughts ... Richard Roper called this "one of the best movies of the year", while Roger Ebert called it "a large scale failure". While I am usually in agreement with Roger, with this movie I have to side with Richard. I really enjoyed it. I liked they way the movie used the "Bay of Pigs" as the starting point and the center point, with flashbacks use to tell the history of the CIA. It is a long movie ... 2 3/4 hours, but I never got bored. Good performance by Matt Damon.

I think one of the key lines in the movie was ... "Get out while you still have a soul". Agents get so caught up in the deceite, secrecy and lack of trust in anyone that they do lose their souls and their families. Too many spy movies glamourize the profession, it was nice to see a more realistic portrayal.

I highly recommend this movie, but be warned that you may disagree with my assessment! Roger Ebert sure would.

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