The character growth between both McDonnell and Woodard's characters is the picture's greatest strength, a credit to Sayles' ability as a writer. His audience knows these women's fates cannot end with the tension they create for one another, and both must change the way they are if anything is going to improve for either of them.

McDonnell earned an Academy Award nomination for this role, which was deeply deserved. This performance is a benchmark in her career. Woodard has impressed me endlessly, and this role was perfect for her in many ways; her attitude, her voice, perfection.

The only thing I could say could use improvement is the picture's pacing, especially through act one. Sayles spends a lot of time on McDonnell's character going through therapy and getting back to her bayou home, but when Woodard finally comes into the picture, the story takes off.

Sayles is one of my favorite writer/director's for many, many reasons, and his characters are just one of them. This is a simple story about forgiving yourself for your mistakes, and he makes it deeply interesting because of the dynamics between the two female characters.

Overall, if you're into the drama genre, you'll really enjoy this movie. If you're into bang, bang and explosions, you'll have a nice nap. I love character studies with a lot to say, so this title will make its way into my DVD collection for sure. I know it takes a long time to get there, but the movie eventually becomes a feel-good picture.