Movie review -- Crash

I have very mixed feelings about this movie. On the one hand, I am appreciative of the sentiment it seeks to convey -- about racism and how easily it assimilates into the daily life of the average man, whether we are perpetrators of it, or whether we are against it. On the other hand, I think that it might have been a tad dramatic, overshadowing the insidiousness of prejudice, which I feel is the greater danger.

It's one thing to condemn racism, and quite another to too quickly pounce on racists; I know I've been guilty of that. Racism is bad -- I know that -- that I did not need to learn from the movie. But the one thing that the movie made me more acutely aware of is that racism does not wholly determine a person's character; a racist person is capable of love and of tears too -- the whole two-sides-to-a-coin thing. It is a flaw, yes, but it is a subset of the many irrational prejudices we hold. The next time you choose your seat on the bus, and decide to sit beside the girl who's slimmer and prettier; trust me, the other girl -- the one who knows she'll never make it on any magazine cover -- she knows, and as you score your tiny victory of the day, her hope fades just a little bit more.

The overt acts of discrimination; the most recognisable actions are also those that can be most easily hidden. But what lies beyond the reach of the human eye -- the feelings and emotions that have become instinctive to our very being -- how do we go about changing that?

Between Crash and Hotel Rwanda (just because these are the two better movies I've watched in recent times), I'd probably say watch this one; both tackle important social issues, but change starts from the small things (which aren't all that small once you think about it), and they start from the Now.

Acting-wise, it was a joy to behold. Another gut-wrenching portrayal by Don Cheadle (also co-producer) -- stoicism, cynicism, excruciating control -- breath-taking. The movie also brings together notable household names like Ryan Phillippe, Sandra Bullock, Thandie Newton, Brendan Fraser, and Matt Dillon. (Appearances also by Tony Danza, Loretta Devine, and Daniel Dae Kim.) I really couldn't pick one from the other; they all turned in impeccable performances.

Take mental notes of the details while you watch this one; it'll be worth it in the end. Even though I felt that there was potential for greater exploration, I think it all came together rather decently. Don't take my word for it. Go watch.