Eastwood’s Masterpieces: The Top 10 Films Roger Ebert Gave 4/4 Stars

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Clint Eastwood consistently delivers high-quality films that often leave both audiences and critics in awe when he doesn’t. Ever since rising to stardom in the 1960s through his series of successful Western movies, Eastwood has established himself as a benchmark for excellence. He maintained this success throughout the ’70s and ’80s before venturing into directing – a skill he has now perfected. Given Eastwood’s impressive body of work, many professional film critics admire him deeply, even legendary critic Roger Ebert praised his performance in Unforgiven.

In a consistent manner, Ebert often bypassed films starring other prominent actors, yet he took the time to review almost every film directed by Clint Eastwood. This pattern suggests that he was always intrigued by what the actor had in store for him on each occasion. The following article highlights movies that received a rare four-star rating from the Pulitzer Prize-winning critic, commending them for their compelling storylines, exceptional performances, skillful direction, and overall high-quality production.

10
‘A Perfect World’ (1993)

In the movie “A Perfect World,” character Butch Hayunes, portrayed by Kevin Costner, manages to break free from a state prison in Huntsville. To avoid capture and potential harm from law enforcement, he resorts to an extreme action: kidnapping a boy named Phillip (played by T. J. Lowther). Their journey together takes them across the vast expanse of Texas. As they travel, an unexpected friendship blossoms between these two unlikely companions. However, Texas Ranger Red Garnett, played by Clint Eastwood, is relentless in his pursuit and sees Butch as someone who must either be apprehended or eliminated.

Two Standout Performances

In this rephrased version, the text could read: “Watching Philip delve into Butch’s dark spirit is entertaining, but is salvation just an illusion for men in his realm? Eastwood fits perfectly as the straight-laced sheriff, while Costner stands out as our runaway character. Many spectators would have liked a Western collaboration between these two stars, given their passion for the genre. Yet, A Perfect World is indeed a masterpiece. Roger Ebert deemed it a film that any director today could be proud to create.

9
‘Flags of our Fathers’ (2006)

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on “Flags of Our Fathers,” a movie inspired by James Bradley and Ron Powers’ book of the same name. This captivating tale centers around the epic Battle of Iwo Jima that unfolded during World War II. The strategic importance of this battle was rooted in the fact that securing Iwo Jima island, located near Tokyo, was crucial for the Allied forces to advance their campaign.

Who Really Deserves Credit?

In creating the film, Clint Eastwood likely expected history enthusiasts to be familiar with the broader narrative, which allowed him to concentrate on the individual and organizational conflicts. The soldiers in the movie argue over who should receive recognition for hoisting the flag. Roger Ebert, appreciating the opportunity to learn, commended it for revealing “something I wasn’t aware of,” further stating that this was “one of the most forward-thinking attempts to portray the authenticity and significance of combat.

8
‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004)

According to F.X. Toole’s 2000 book “Rope Burns: Stories from the Corner,” the movie “Million Dollar Baby” tells the story of Margaret “Maggie” Fitzgerald (played by Hilary Swank), a determined amateur boxer who aspires to become the best. She eventually finds her ideal trainer in the elderly Frankie, portrayed by Eastwood.

Million Dollar Movie

As a film director, Clint Eastwood critiques certain aspects of boxing’s regulations and customs through a compelling narrative, without being overly preachy. In the cast, Morgan Freeman particularly shines as the gym’s maintenance worker. This sports drama is often hailed as one of the top boxing movies ever made, earning $218 million globally and garnering seven Oscar nominations, winning four: Best Picture, Best Director (for Eastwood), Best Actress (Hilary Swank), and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman). Roger Ebert praised it as the best film of 2004, stating, “Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby is a masterpiece, plain and simple.

7
‘Pale Rider’ (1985)

In the film titled “The Pale Rider“, the residents of a humble gold-mining town are under constant harassment by another wealthy magnate, Coy LaHood (Richard Dysart), who is known for his rough demeanor and lack of compassion. His tactic includes dispatching thugs to instill fear. However, fate brings a solitary gunfighter, referred to as “Preacher” (Clint Eastwood), into the picture. This stranger swiftly grabs his firearm without delay when he arrives on the scene.

The Man with Six Bullet Scars

Roger Ebert observed that “Pale Rider” stands as a substantial accomplishment and a quintessential Western film, brimming with style and thrill. Indeed, it excels by exploring profound religious motifs, despite leaning heavily on traditional Western tropes. The enigmatic hero suggests divine or supernatural origins, and the movie’s title is borrowed from the Bible’s Book of Revelation (6:8). Consequently, viewers are encouraged to form their own interpretations.

6
‘Mystic River’ (2003)

In the river town of Mystic, the tragic death of Jimmy’s daughter (Sean Penn’s character) has unfolded. At the heart of the story are two individuals from Jimmy’s past: Dave (Tim Robbins), a working-class man who was the last to see her before her demise, and Sean (Kevin Bacon), a detective handling the case. The tale follows how this shocking event affects these contrasting characters in various ways.

Combining Street Justice with Cop Drama

As a six-time Oscar nominee (winning two), the movie “Mystic River” resonates with viewers as it delves into and criticizes one of humanity’s most despicable acts: sexual abuse. Sean Penn delivers an exceptional performance, and cinematographer Tom Stern highlights why Eastwood has worked with him in over a dozen films. Critic Roger Ebert was impressed by Eastwood’s direction, noting that the director “demonstrates a profound understanding of the characters and actors, granting them genuine moments of authenticity.” He also commended Eastwood’s overall approach, stating that “great directors grow through subtraction rather than addition, and Eastwood does nothing for show, but everything for impact.

5
‘Invictus’ (2008)

In the wake of the Apartheid Era, the movie Invictus showcases some attempts by the newly elected president Nelson Mandela to foster harmony in South Africa. Although segregation has ended, he recognizes that deep-seated animosity persists between black and white citizens. To bridge this divide, he strategically chooses rugby, the nation’s beloved sport, as a means to bring them together.

Using Sports as a Tool for Activism

In a different take, this heartfelt tribute to Nelson Mandela, skillfully portrayed, might have been presented as mere sports drama. But Eastwood chooses to portray the life of this remarkable leader with deep affection and empathy, truly acknowledging his profound influence on his nation. The character of Francois Pienaar, the visionary captain of the Springboks (played by Matt Damon), shows common sense, determination, and perseverance that ultimately lifts his team from despair. Critic Roger Ebert found it to be a very good film, with scenes that provoke strong emotions.

4
‘Hereafter’ (2010)

In the future, this movie centers around three individuals who each hold unique viewpoints concerning the existence beyond death. George (portrayed by Matt Damon) was once a psychic and has since found solitude due to his ability to converse with the deceased. Marie (played by Cécile de France), a French reporter, finds herself fixated on the afterlife following a tsunami incident. Marcus, a young British boy, strives to unravel the mysteries surrounding his twin brother’s demise.

Asking Difficult Questions

It’s no surprise that Eastwood has a knack for drawing inspiration from true-life events to craft stories that evoke emotions ranging from melancholy to introspection. Matt Damon delivers a compelling performance, portraying his character’s grief and intrigue in a convincing manner. Roger Ebert described it as a film that “tenderly, beautifully, and subtly explores the concept of an afterlife,” expressing surprise at its captivating nature. However, not all critics shared this sentiment, making Hereafter one of Clint Eastwood’s least popular films among the critical community.

3
‘Unforgiven’ (1992)

As a seasoned film critic, I can’t help but marvel at the revival of a nearly extinct Western genre by none other than the masterful Unforgiven. In this gripping tale, an aged bounty hunter, William Munny (portrayed brilliantly by Clint Eastwood), emerges from retirement to lend his hand to a band of courageous women seeking vengeance for one of their own who was brutally disfigured by a reckless client.

Accompanying Munny is his trusted partner, Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman’s captivating portrayal), but the duo soon finds that outlaws are not their only adversaries. Sheriff “Little” Bill Daggett (Gene Hackman delivers a chilling performance) vehemently opposes any form of justice in his town, making the journey all the more treacherous for our protagonists.

One of the Most Flawless Best Picture Winners

In the film Unforgiven, Eastwood continues his classic Western motif where wickedness lurks in familiar corners and villainy comes from the very people you’d predict to be cruel. Ebert, in his review, praised it highly, stating that the unwavering moral equilibrium – with goodness ultimately subduing evil – is central to the Western genre, and Eastwood doesn’t shy away from emphasizing this point. However, Gene Siskel criticized the movie for being overly lengthy.

2
‘Letters from Iwo Jima’ (2006)

Letters from Iwo Jima represents a companion film to Flags of Our Fathers, offering the same tale of the Battle of Iwo Jima, but this time seen through Japanese eyes. This gripping war drama is predominantly in Japanese, with only a handful of scenes in English, despite being produced by American companies DreamWorks Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.

Shedding Light on Non-Battle Woes

The film adaptation of “Letters from Iwo Jima” is widely recognized as excellent. It not only outperformed financially but also received a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars. Moreover, it has been lauded by veterans and military personnel for its authentic portrayal of the hardships faced in wartime. Essentially, this film effectively conveys the struggle, with themes ranging from dysentery and malnutrition to honorable sacrifice that can provoke tears. Critic Roger Ebert appreciated how “Eastwood sympathizes with the foot soldier on the ground, the unlucky fellow who is merely a piece in a war devised by generals and politicians, some of whom have never encountered a battlefield or combat zone.

1
‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ (1966)

In Sergio Leone’s classic film, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” the bounty hunter known as Blondie (played by Clint Eastwood) and the outlaw Tuco (Eli Wallach) find themselves in an alliance when they discover a cache of $200,000 Confederate gold hidden in a clandestine burial site. However, they must first contend with Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), a ruthless assassin, who also seeks the riches.

The Greatest Western Ever Made

In a vibrant, thrilling, and emotionally stirring manner, filled with intricate Civil War elements, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” delivers a powerful punch. The iconic Ennio Morricone soundtrack and memorable lines, particularly from Tuco, who says, “If you feel like shooting, go ahead and shoot. Don’t talk,” are standout features. Critic Roger Ebert appreciated the filmmaking methods, highlighting that “since what the camera cannot see, the characters cannot see as well, this gives Leone the liberty to shock us with unexpected entrances that cannot be justified by the camera’s practical location within the shots.

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2025-04-13 22:04