anyway, i really liked this and am glad i saw it. the ending was poignant, even if it felt a bit forced. the first scene i didnt like either; i think it was unnecessary. at any rate, the bulk of this film is real good (although certain things, i was just like, c'mon ie SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER when they make phoenix and honorary cop, i thought that kind of stuff only happens in the movies....END SPOILER END SPOILER END SPOILER) and i look forward to watching it again at some point. i may even put it in my running list of best films of the decades