The Mule (2019) - An Old Man Like That...

★★★☆☆

It's been a real while since my last update. Not that I've lost my interest in films. It's that there's been no films that could really interest me. I wouldn't check 'The Mule' out if it wasn't a Clint Eastwood's film in which he acted, directed and produced. It sort of impresses me as a drama without a dramatic twist or turn though, unlike that in 'Gran Torino', and I wonder how an old man like Eastwood could still be looking so charismatic on the big screen and not losing his passion for filmmaking in spite of his tremendous fame and fortune already to his career. What he's been doing, especially as a director, should really be appreciated. And in fact, whatever film he's making now could be his last!

In case you wonder, the mule is a term used to call a person who helps the cartel-go ask Google if you don't know what cartel is-deliver drugs from spot to spot. So yeah, it's illegal stuff, and rather dangerous since the cartel could be extremely cold-blooded sometimes. Still Clint Eastwood's Earl decides to do it because he's desperate for money. He's trying to make it up for his family that he's been estranged from for we don't know exactly what reason. It could be something to do with his workaholism or his playboy characteristic or his trouble taking care of money back in his younger days. Whatever, I get to feel his pain and penance inside as the storyline goes even though he looks rather calm and relaxed most of the time. The film may start off a bit boring but it'll get you into it rather soon. I guess this is the magic of Clint Eastwood's films being able to make a mundane story somewhat watchable and moving.

I almost shed a tear watching it to be honest, especially when Earl's risking his life to turn around and visit his ex-wife while she's dying, and when his daughter is finally willing to speak to him in so many years. As you expect the conversation is going to be rather emotional and a bit long but it's not at all. It may sound disappointing to some but that's the way it is I guess. An old man of sorrow and regrets is supposed to be like that speechless and shameful! Walking away seems like the only choice in that scenario. Life's not perfect nonetheless. There's always something we wish we could've done but we didn't, or the other way round. When something like that is eating you up inside, you might as well let it be as sort of a way to your own redemption!