Crash (2005) - 10 stars out of 10

Crash (2005) - 10 stars out of 10
850th Review 

“Crash” is simply one of those films that will never be forgotten.  Beyond the acting, script, and cinematography lies an overwhelming theme that has a lot more meaning than the film’s Oscar for Best Picture.  “Crash’s” portrayal of racism in Los Angeles is raw, real, and emotional.  While it is easy to see that the film shouts “racism is bad,” it operates on a different level at the same time.  As this intricate network of interconnected stories wraps up, the film reveals that looks can be deceiving (Ludacris doing the right thing, the true vocation of the Chinese man, etc.).  Although the film’s message is more important than anything, it is brought to life by a talented ensemble cast that includes Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, and Thandie Newton.  Many of the characters have a duality to them, tempted to conform to the bigotous ways of our society while motivated by their consciences.  While I don’t enjoy Matt Dillon as an actor (and think that he only received a Best Supporting nomination due to a weak Oscar class), he excels at disgusting the audience with his character’s racist intimidation.  This is imperative to plot’s climax when he must risk his life for a woman who wants help from anybody but him.  Even more important is Michael Peña’s heartwarming father-daughter dialogue, which sets up the emotional climax of the film.  “The scene” will surely have you crying, further driving home the effects of hatred and introducing a message of hope.  The little details throughout the film, like the ignorance in the ammunition purchase and the Saint Christopher statues, set up the films biggest surprises without us even knowing it.  The script (which won Best Original Screenplay) is perfection as it weaves together so many characters in so many storylines without leaving a single plot hole.  Not only is every character important to the transformation of at least one other character, but each character also facilitates the theme of the film.  The culmination of tension and idea of racism as a learned worldview is driven home as Ryan Phillippe buys into the hatred that surrounds him.  “Crash” is stunning and you will surely realize that as you watch the credits roll by, sitting in silence and unable to move as the whole picture comes together and the levity of the theme sets in.