This film is a modern day western: think Shane, The Man Who Shot Liberty Vance, High Noon, Clint Eastwood's "man with no name" movie series and so on. Viggo Mortensen's character even walks with a wide, rangy, swagger-stride.

The story begins with a stark contrast between the bad and the good. Viggo Mortensen's Tom has the soft spoken, wide-eyed, nurturing father role one would expect from a small town fellow with a beautiful (hot, fierce, protective) wife and children.

Ahh, but everything is not what it seems. When the bad men come to town the sheep skin (Tom) is shed and the wolf (Joey?) beneath the placid demeanor leaps forth. The havoc created at the diner (owned by Tom) reverberates - causing an interesting chain of events.

Call it the bullets flying effect.

What's the expression? The most slutty woman often becomes the most conservative mom. Well, the most violent man tried to transform himself into a pacifist and fails. Fails successfully.

My two favorite scenes: Jack, Tom's son, was never really afraid of the bully. He was counseled by his dad not to fight. He knows from experience where it would lead. But sometimes ... the bullets flying effect occurs and the boy turns out to be a smart, sharp, chip off the old blood dripping block.

My second favorite scene: with William Hurt. I've adored him since Body Heat and Kiss of the Spider Woman. He's an actor. He enjoys acting. I enjoy watching him relish his roles, especially when he utters: "Jesus Joey" and "Bro-ham".

Great film. I don't approve of coochie flashes or the gore, but you have to see it for yourself. Not a film for the feint hearted, children or even teenagers.

Last note, Viggo Mortensen is a fantastic actor. He's subtle. You watch him peel away the layers and you wonder (like his wife), which one is real? The sheep or the wolf?