Nothing is as it seems

Rating: 9/10 (5 February 2006)

In this complex tale of interlocking relationships and miscommunication, we discover the racial tensions that exist in post 9-11 Los Angeles. Though at times amazingly ironic and coincidental, Paul Haggis creates a tight and believable cast of characters who are confronted by their own racism as well as the racism of their neighbors when their worlds collide and they are stripped of the facade of their bubble. The District Attorney (Brendan Fraser) and his wife (Sandra Bullock) are held up and their SUV is stolen by two young black men. A Persian family (who is mistaken for being Arabs)do not understand the Hispanic locksmith and when they are later robbed, blame him even though he warned them of their unsafe doors. A Middle class black couple are mistaken for the car thieves and are mistreated by the police. And so it goes.
Misunderstandings and feelings of rage and prejudice froth and foam and at one time create an ensemble of characters the viewer grows to like and, at the same time, creates an atmosphere of unexpected twists and unpredictable characters who just may let the stress of their lives overwhelm them in the heat of the moment. This is a brilliant commentary on the state of racism in our country today and forces us all to ask the hard questions that plague us. Are we racist and how can we reconcile ourselves to our fellow man? As powerful as this film is, it does contain strong language, violent scenes and two sexual scenes which should be taken into consideration depending on the audience.