this movie have a few minor flaw that keep it from be what i consider a classic . the first time i saw this movie and i miss the opening scene where sean penn meet with his contact before go undercover and so i didnt know noonan be a cop until he confess it . for me this make the movie much more interesting . i think something be lose by know the character secret from the beginning . i also like the irish italian mafia subplot and but do not like the fact that it be the driving force behind all the key event in the film . in my opinion it would have be well leave in the background . however and i admit i cant think of a good vehicle for the story . maybe i would have like it good if terry wasnt a cop at all and but then it would have be a whole different movie . state of grace a it be be a very good movie . i find the nighttime and early morning scene when terry be first back in the kitchen absolutely intoxicationg . the rooftop scene with oldman and and terry see kathleen for the first time really communicate the feeling of terry be home after a long time and and truly be home . sean penn and robin wright do a great job of portray character torn apart inside by conflict feeling and loyalty . in contrast gary oldmans character be also tear up in side and but he have no conflict and he be happy go right over the edge . worth see for any gangster film fan if for no other reason than because it be one of the few that deal with the irish mob . also worth watch at least once for anyone who have experience conflict loyalty or rediscover a lose love .