Edward Wilson starts his career in counter-intelligence not out of choice but because he has the proper education and background for the job. He is recruited to the 'cause'; he did not apply for it. Aside from being an outstanding student at Yale, he is also a member of the Skull & Bones Society, an elite organization whose past members include US Presidents, senators and other government officials.

At a Skull & Bones party, he meets Clover (Angelina Jolie), who is the sister of a classmate and fellow Skull & Bones member as well as being a senator's daughter. Edward, who is perceived by many as a 'silent type', is not immediately smitten with the more aggressive Clover, but she makes her intentions known and, with some reluctance, Edward decides to turn his back on his real love, Laura (Tammy Blanchard), a deaf student whom he met at Yale. He and Clover get married but his work takes him overseas and for the next six years, phone calls are often their only means of communication.

Edward Jr. (Eddie Redmayne) is born, a rather insecure boy who keeps looking up to his father for approval. He follows in his father's footsteps and when the time comes for him to choose a career; he decides to join the CIA, as his father did before him. It is a sore issue for both Edward and Clover, adding to their already strained relationship. As father and son pursue their careers, dire consequence follow as enemies from near and far work their way into their lives.

The Good Shepherd is Robert de Niro's second directorial effort after "A Bronx Tale". Having learned from the best and being a formidable actor himself, this film brings de Niro's directing style and personal touch to the screen. As an actor who relishes method acting, it is apparent that he concentrated on bringing depth and dimension to the film's main characters. In The Good Shepherd, he has succeeded in making a film that is both intelligent and entertaining. This movie is not for filmgoers who prefer the mundane and the formulaic. It requires some serious thinking, like choosing the right piece in a puzzle or reading a good spy book that requires patience (at times a lot of patience)

It has been said that De Niro would have preferred Leonardo DiCaprio for the role of Wilson, but after watching Matt Damon, one can't help but ask, 'could DiCaprio have topped that?' It was a tremendously impressive performance from Damon, who recently pitted his talents against DiCaprio in The Departed and who remains the only viable 'alternative' to James Bond as the lead in the 'Jason Bourne' franchise. The Good Shepherd is understated acting at its best. Having watched DiCaprio in Blood Diamond, I'm quite sure both these actors deserve their prominent positions in Hollywood. Eddie Redmayne, who played Edward Wilson Jr., deserves credit as the insecure son whose tragedy it was to be associated with his father. It was a heartfelt performance, and hopefully we'll get to see more of Redmayne in future releases.

The film also made use of an impressive ensemble cast including Angelina Jolie, William Hurt, Alec Baldwin, Billy Crudup, Michael Gambon, Joe Pesci and John Turturro.

The Good Shepherd is highly recommended.

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