a movie like this needs to be made, but...

Rating: 6/10 (6 February 2003)

... really not in such a shabby fashion. Tony Kaye's direction leaves much to be desired, and the musical decisions within the film make you feel like you're watching The Last of the Mohicans, and not a contemporary film about race. Derek Vinyard's transformation from skinhead to savior is admirable, but even this main character's development is done poorly, as are the other roles. The plot (though somewhat lacking in sophistication) is engaging enough, yet Edward Norton's superb acting alone saves this piece from being completely unwatchable -- further convincing this viewer how much better this movie would have been under different direction. I'm sad to conclude that this is yet another movie highly undeserving of its lofty ranking. 6/10.