Crash (2005) R - 4½ Stars

In just 36 hours, the lives of a group of total strangers will collide. Prejudices of race, gender and culture differences will take this group on a roller coaster of emotional turmoil through the streets of Los Angeles.

Graham (Don Cheadle) a police detective, and his lover / partner, officer Ria (Jennifer Esposito), are sent to the scene of an accident. Their cultural difference, she's Hispanic and he's black, cause many to talk behind their backs as to why they don't stick to their own race.

Jean (Sandra Bullock), is prejudice over people of color and makes that fact well known to her husband Rick (Brendan Fraser) a L.A. district attorney. When they are car jacked by two African American males, Anthony (Chris Bridges) who hates white people as much as Jean hates blacks, and Peter (Larenz Tate) a little more open minded, her anger explodes in stereotypical manner.

Daniel (Michael Pena) is a locksmith working hard to support his family. The value of his life will be tested when he comes in contact with Farhad, (Shaun Toub) a Persian shopkeeper who many have labeled a terrorist after 9/11, because of where he comes from.

Cameron (Terrence Howard) an African-American television producer and his beautiful wife, Christine (Thandie Newton) are coming home from a party one night when Cameron gets pulled over. Even though the couple are dressed very nicely driving a nice car, Officer Ryan (Matt Dillon) insults Cameron and fondles Christine as he thinks he is above the law. His rookie partner Officer Hansen (Ryan Phillippe), looks on but doesn't agree with Officer Ryan's method of handing things. Christine is humiliated all because Cameron, black, doesn't want to start any problems with the white police

While every one's life hangs in turmoil, we realize that is doesn't matter what color, age or gender you are, we're all people trying to survive and get a long. It does take a good look at the prejudices some ethnics groups must encounter every day. I really like how it was filmed sort of all over the place and then they all connects at the end. Other films have tried but I don't think with the same success. The movie really opens your eyes to the hatred we all live with on a day to day basis.

Awards are numerous including:

2005 - Crash - Academy - Best Original Screenplay
2005 - Crash - American Film Institute - Best Picture
2005 - Crash - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Ensemble Acting
2005 - Crash - Independent Spirit Awards - Best First Feature

Lions Gate Films
Director: Paul Haggis
Writers: Robert Moresco, Bobby Moresco, Paul Haggis
Producers: Bob Yari, Mark R. Harris, Paul Haggis

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