Superb dissection of racism

Rating: 8/10 (10 May 2005)

"Crash" examines the racism in our society that is always there beneath the surface, yet boils to the top in moments of stress and pressure. It has an at times too-clever interlocking- stories structure that, while showing our interconnectedness as individuals, does occasionally come across as too contrived and pat. Yet so much about this film is wonderful. The performances are superb -- Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Thandie Newton and Ryan Phillippe (of all people) stand out, yet really everyone is good. And the "message" of the film, which some may say is a bit heavy-handed, is valid and uplifting: that ultimately our salvation lies in our humanity and getting to know one another beyond just the surface stereotypes.