Clint Eastwood makes a poignant return to the big screen in this unbelievable true-life film about a 90-year-old drug mule

Cape Town - The Mule, a film starring 88-year-old Clint Eastwood, is based on the New York Times Magazine article, The Sinaloa Cartel’s 90-Year-Old Drug Mule.

The film recounts the true story of Leo Sharp, a World War II veteran who became a drug courier in his 80s for the Sinaloa Cartel.

The Mule is produced and directed by Clint, who also plays the lead role. It also stars Bradley Cooper, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Peña, Dianne Wiest, and Andy García.

This is the first time that Clint will be back on the big screen since 2012 when he starred in Trouble with the Curve, an American sports drama, alongside Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake.

The Wall Street Journal’s film critic, Joe Morgenstern, said about the film: "The story at its core deals with matters that have long been Mr. Eastwood's professional, and clearly personal, concern... When the old man finally mans up to his failings, the movie succeeds with special poignancy."

The Mule opens in South African cinemas on Friday, 18 January.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE: