Expect the Unexpected.

Rating: 10/10 (10 May 2005)

Perhaps not since the days of D.W. Griffith has Hollywood tackled the theme of Intolerence as effectively as in "Crash". Set in Los Angeles the film covers 48 hours in the lives of a number of apparently unrelated people, who in unexpected ways meet and in doing so alter their lives for ever (much in the manner of a Robert Altman picture). The smouldering racial tension of a big city with a mix of ethic races, is the underlying theme as these characters interact. This is a strong though complicated drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, as the characters collide in the most unexpected ways, nothing is as it seems, even the apparent miracle. Sharp clever dialogue reminiscent of "Pulp Fiction" and fine acting cameos lift this production well above average. Notably Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Thandie Newton, but the entire cast is remarkable. Its exceedingly well written and confidently brought to the screen, fine cinematography, and editing. My only slight niggle was the music, which in the cinema I saw the movie was too loud and distracting. This the first film of the Director Paul Haggis, also the writer, and he is a man to watch in future. He should go far.