Outstanding, but so what?

Rating: 7/10 (17 April 2006)

I'd be lying if I said that I didn't thoroughly enjoy this film, but I would also be lying if I said I learned anything from it. The makers of the picture, want us to think that we're stupid, and that we never knew that on a sub conscience level, that we are all racist. Guess what? We're not all racist.
The movie circles around several different lives, who come from all different backgrounds; black, white, Persian, Mexican and others. All living in Los Angeles, the film shows the struggles and hardships and persecutions that these people go through in their daily lives. Taking place in the span of 24 hours, the film does do an excellent job of telling a story that is quite moving, and at times very intense.
I thought everyone involved in the film was excellent, especially Saundra Bullock, who was my personal favorite, alongside Ryan Phillipe, who both did outstanding jobs. Not that the rest of the cast, shouldn't be noted on their work.
The problem I had with the film was that they make it seem like all of America is racist, when in reality Americans have no conception of what racism is. We are so politically correct these days, that even if someone looks at you funny on the street, people automatically think it's because you're black? That makes no sense. They try to prove this point in the film. I disagreed with almost the whole film. Although it does shed light on a few interesting topics, that are more than likely true, it still felt like an advertisement, more than a film.
However, I do appreciate the storyline, the direction, acting and cinematography. The individual stories in the film were excellent and it was quite entertaining to watch. I enjoyed it enough that I will probably see it again in the future, but it's definitely not one that I would recommend, to anyone who is offended easily.