Brilliant Snapshot of Human Behavior

Rating: 10/10 (18 September 2005)

Consider every stereotype and negative thought you have had about someone of another race or ethnicity. Remember any time you have allowed those thoughts to actually form words that come out of your mouth. Then watch this movie. Sometimes you will be stunned into silence, other times you will laugh out loud because in your mind, you think "it's just so true" or "I can't believe they just said that". This movie will stretch you to look deep inside and search for where your prejudice lies, where your fears are, and why they exist. Everyone is shaped by their interactions with others, good or bad, rich or poor, young or old. This movie reminds you that everyone is human, everyone makes mistakes, and everyone can be redeemed, no matter what country you were born in or what color your skin is. This movie also reminds you that the innocent often times are the victims and that the victims can suddenly turn into the perpetrator. It spins and weaves an amazing story about the lives of very different people living very different lives, yet they all have their families and their jobs and after all is said and done, they are all people with feelings and tragedy and hope and love. Truly an amazing film that obviously has caused a great deal of controversy. Kudos to Don Cheadle and Terrance Howard, who are brilliant, and to Sandra Bullock for taking a roll that is rather small but so out of character for her, and she is very convincing. Micheal Pena is wonderful as a hard working man trying to do right for his family. And this Ludicrous fellow, wow. This is a must see.