One of the best movies I've seen

Rating: 10/10 (17 September 2005)

I was in awe almost from the moment the movie began. When I saw the list of actors that would be in it, I was just a little unsure of how it would turn out. We all know the game, the bigger the actor, the worse off it is. Well, I must say that was totally the opposite for this movie.
All of the actors were brilliant, and in my honest opinion gave the best performances of their careers, except for Clarence Howard due to the fact that I can't decide which he was better in (this or Hustle and Flow).
Sandra Bullock surprised me probably the most due to the fact that all you ever see her in is comedies, and in this, totally different story. She was your upper-class, all-American white snob, and she perfected it. Her last scene in it was priceless and truly touching and bitterly honest.
Matt Dillon was horrifically magnificent as the racist cop who finally gets the big turn-a-round in the scene involving the actual car crash. The moment between him and Thandie Newton almost moved me to tears. Both gave excellent performances.
But the scene that literally seemed to stop my heart was when the older Persian man shot at the young Latino and his daughter jumps in the way. That was probably the most powerful scene in the whole film, and it was just...more than words can describe.
Ludarcis and Ryan Phillipe both gave stellar performances and the latter was just absolute in one of the film-ending twists. Simply amazing. Simply amazing.
I recommend this film to anyone, for it is a great learning tool, and an honest look into how society truly performs today. I definitely think this movie will give you a different outlook on life, if not change it.
Ten stars, and kudos to Paul Haggis for another wonderful creation.