Haggis' own prejudice is clear

Rating: 3/10 (27 May 2005)

I enjoyed Million Dollar Baby very very much, and was very excited to watch Paul Haggis' new work. However I came out frustrated and confused. his movie illustrates Haggis' own prejudice. The Asian Americans in the movie were portrayed as sub-human. Unlike the other racial groups, there was redemption or dignity, no progress in their faults. Asian characters however, were shown in extreme caricature, whether as a belligerent annoying old Asian lady, or as a greedy little guy who sells his own people. As I watched it, I felt like Thandie Newton's character being fondled by the cop--humiliated and not being able to do a damn thing but watch. The time they did spend on Asian Americans were spent portraying them as villains, or as primates in a cage. Why include them only to vilify them?
To say this movie is unauthentic is a total understatement. I live in Los Angeles, and this is total crap. This is just as authentic as Madagascar, which will be a better buy for your buck.
the movie itself had its moments but it is too much of a contrived piece of work, always pretentious in its authenticity (ooooh its so realistic and gritty). I'm just not buying this trite tripe. Shame on you Haggis.