Fascinating drama with excellent performances and vignettes.

Rating: 9/10 (8 April 2007)

Several Stories interweave during two days in Los Angeles involving a collection of fascinating characters:A black police detective (Don Cheadle) tries to deal with his drug addicted mother (Beverly Todd). Two car thieves (Larenz Tate and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges) are always constantly theorizing an Society and Race. A distracted district attorney (Brendan Fraser) and his irritated short temper wife (Sandra Bullock), who were robbed at Gun Point. A racist cop (Matt Dillon), who tries to care for his sick father (Bruce Kirby) but who hates his more idealistic young partner (Ryan Phillipe). A successful black television director (Terrence Howard) and his attractive wife (Thandie Newton) are disturbed from a nervous breakdown after their troubles with a racist cop. A hard headed immigrant businessman (Shaun Toub), who buys a gun to protect his store. A Hispanic locksmith (Michael Pena) trying to protect his daughter (Ashlyn Sanchez), who's afraid of Gun Fired.
Directed by Paul Haggis (Screenwriter of "Casino Royale", "Flags Our Fathers", "Millon Dollar Baby") made an terrific drama with absorbing vignettes and excellent performances by the cast (Especially by Cheadle, Dillon and Howard). Which Dillon received an Oscar Nomination for his supporting role. Director Haggis received an Oscar Nomintation for Best Director. This hard edged drama is also darkly funny and touching. This is one of the best films of 2005. This is a picture worth discovering and it is unforgettable, once you seen the movie.
DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an fine Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has an introduction by the director, an often humorous running commentary track by the co-screenwriter/director:Haggis, producer/actor:Cheadle and co-screenwriter:Robert Moresco (10th & Wolf). DVD also has behind the scenes featurette, a music video and trailers. This independent film is arresting and visually striking. This is one of the strongest films in years. It won Three Oscars for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing. Jennifer Esposito and Bahar Soomekh co-stats in memorable roles. Tony Danza, Keith David, Loretta Devine and William Fichtner appears in small roles. Screenplay by Haggis and Moresco, from a story by Haggis. An two disc Director's Cut is also available. Super 35. (**** 1/2 out of *****).