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Good Shepherd, The
By
Source: Catholic News Service
Austere but generally absorbing over-the-years saga of a fictitious CIA man (a quietly intense Matt Damon) tracing his life from initiation into the secretive Yale Skull and Bones fraternity; his unhappy marriage to a classmate's sister (Angelina Jolie); his recruitment into the Office of Strategic Services during World War II; his role in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion during John F. Kennedy's administration; and his poignant relationship with the son (Eddie Redmayne) with whom he could never be close. Robert De Niro (who plays a small part here) directs the fact-based film with a sure hand, and though the plot has some holes effectively demonstrates the emotional consequences of its protagonist's overly secretive life and the tragedy of sacrificing one's humanity for misplaced ideals. Adultery and premarital sex, a shadowy sexual encounter, innuendo, a predatory gay character, a couple of cold-blooded murders and other spy-related dirty doings, suicides, marital discord, partial nudity, drug use, a few expletives and racial epithets. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
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