Crash Survives and Makes the Grade ***1/2

Rating: 7/10 (5 February 2006)

This is not a film that will promote racial understanding but it certainly shows what can happen when we don't do this.
"Crash" really refers to the cultural differences within the framework of a system that may very well be against us from our date of birth. There is redemption and miracles depicted here.
The film is headed by an all-star cast. Matt Dillon, nominee for best supporting actor, steals the show as a racist cop who comes down to reality when the situation demands it. Otherwise, he is an out of control bigot, angry at the system for what it did to his father who practiced racial toleration and was victimized by reverse racism in his profession. Dillon has his moments in his emotional outbursts and could very well be walking down the aisle on March 5. On March 5, 2006 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences chose "Crash" as the year's best picture. Thinking back, I saw a very small but important similarity to the great 1947 Oscar best picture winner, "Gentleman's Agreement." The two films show a similarity in that they tackle prejudice by hitting the nail right on the head.
"Crash" will be a very important film as the years go on.
There are other strong performances by Don Cheadle, as a savvy officer who, in neglecting a family problem, is blamed by his mother when tragedy strikes.
I would have liked the Brendon Fraser and Sandra Bullock parts expanded. He is a D.A. and she is his wife. Their car is hijacked and he wants a black to be named in an important position for political purposes. Then, their parts seem to go limp.
This is a film of racial and cultural misunderstanding well done.