Emotionally Gripping Drama About Life and Family

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2002)

When we see someone we love become something we hate, it tears us apart. Such situations can destroy families, such situations can bring families together. In this film, one family is put under enormously serious situations in which how much they can endure will prove how strong they really are.
On a fateful summer night in California, Derrek Vinyard (Edward Norton), hears the noise of glass shattering. He looks out the window to see a few men trying to break open his car. Although we do not know it, this series of events will labeled as a race crime. The men in our eyes are black. The men in Derrek's eyes are not men, they are creatures tearing apart our economy, our American foundation, and our neighborhood. In a violent and excessive way, Derrek defends his family. The end result is the death of 2 African American men.
Derrek is sentenced to 3 years in prison for Defensive Manslaughter. While it may seem that Derrek is the main focus of this story, the person most affected by this is his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong). Like almost any younger brother, Danny admires Derrek. Danny recognizes what Derrek did. Danny sees that nearly a hundred other people like his brother worshipped him. Danny is not blind. He sees that the impact Derrek had on their community was so astounding that it is only in Danny's responsibility to carry on that tradition.
In an amazing realistic and true-to-life story written by David McKenna, we watch and take in every event which happens in Derrek's life after that fateful night. We watch the transformation of characters, the metamorphosis of the Vinyard family over the course of 3 years, and even a few before that.
After seeing this film, you don't think about the pervasive violence and language, you don't think about the graphic content and often disturbing realism involved, you are left with a mindset which leaves you in a twist. You know some of these things that happen are wrong, but why do you agree with them in some points? What makes these characters tick? Why does this happen? When you ask yourself theses questions, you know you have seen a work of art.
Brilliantly and beautifully filmed and directed by Tony Kaye, he pulls us into this world which is so similar to what we live in today. We become so involved with the characters, that in the final act, we are left with a feeling of confusion and sorrow.
This film is surly to be labeled as controversial for all times, but should be more remembered for its message, especially in this time of our world.