Crash is a film by Paul Haggis (of the Million Dollar Baby fame) that deals with a group of people in Los Angeles whose lives cross in a variety of ways over the course of 36 hours.
It has that seven degrees of separation feel like Robert Altman's brilliant 1993 film Shortcuts, but with a twist.
They are all racially diverse and are facing their fears, misconceptions and stereotypes about people who are "different".
Huge cast including Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Espositio, William Fichtner, Brendan Fraiser (as LA County DA? WTH?), Terrence Howard, "Ludicris" ( Chris Bridges), Ryan Phillipe, Thandy Newton, Larenz Tate and Michael Pena.
I won't give away all the plot twists because really, this movie is something of a public service announcement regarding our collective human condition in this nation and I encourage you to watch it. Sandra Bullock has a scene toward the end that brought tears to my eyes. Michael Pena is just the hapless alarm install guy who is just a blue collar guy trying to provide for his family, and Don Cheadle is, as always, incredibly deft. Ludacris, although I couldn't name one song he's done, is a pretty good actor.
Powerful moving stuff that will make you realize, we are all have fears and misconceptions and stereotypes about class and race and sometimes, to face those and let them go, you have to realize we are all members of the human race.
Well now I have to see the movie! It sounds like something I'd like. It's nice to know there are still scripts being written that actually have a point.
Posted by: Nadine | November 21, 2005 at 03:30 AM
Lisa...Peki from Misfits..I saw this movie about a month ago and was very impressed with the message that it conveyed. Some films should be required for high school level kids to watch, such as this one and Schindler's List come to mind. Anything and anyway we can get the message of tolerance out there, and show them a way not to repeat the mistakes of history.
Posted by: Peki | November 21, 2005 at 05:01 PM
That was a v. powerful movie. It was a bit like a PSA for racism at times, but it sure made me reexamine my thoughts and attitudes.
Posted by: nicole | November 21, 2005 at 07:04 PM
This has nothing to do with the subject but, Happy Thanksgiving! :)
Posted by: dragonlady474 | November 23, 2005 at 07:29 PM
I long for the day when I can see a good movie with just dh. This one sounds very interesting. I'll have to put it on my netflix list!
Anyway, here's the knitting blog if you are interested. It's kind of funny and there's a few free patterns. Can't beat that!
http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/
Have a nice weekend.
Posted by: Becky | November 25, 2005 at 01:47 AM
Well said, Lisa.
I've never seen that movie, but now I must!
I hope you enjoy your weekend.
A~
Posted by: momof2 | November 26, 2005 at 09:58 AM
OK, I don't know what just happened to the comment I was writing so I hope I'm not double posting. Sorry if I am.
Anyway, don't know how I missed this--maybe I was in Mississippi when the internet was down?
Glad to hear you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Posted by: Rob | December 14, 2005 at 10:17 AM