Touching

Rating: Null/10 (5 September 2001)

To say that this movie breaks down the barriers that Racism has built over the last, 4-500 years would be a lie. To say this was a very touching, poignant movie that really only skimmed the surface of bi-racial couples, would be true.
I was very impressed with this movie. The acting was excellent, with the exception of a few characters. The scenes were beautiful, and the dancing was superb. Julia Stiles delivers and excellent performance as a white girl thrown into the more "ghetto" parts of chicago. Being maybe 1 of 5 white kids in her new school, she attempts to befriends and black girl that gave her a little help her first day. They become friends, and the story develops from there.
From finding herself again, to find love with a young black man, Derek (Shawn patrick thomas), and rediscovering her talent of ballet. Sara, (stiles) becomes a regular in the middle of the mess surrounding the seedy parts of chicago. Conflict with gangsta's, a fight with Derek's ex, are all building blocks leading to a wonderful conclusion, which I felt was much better than what my wife has predicted. She was expecting Derek to go with Malikai, and something bad would happen. I was hoping he didn't, and i was relieved to see the way the movie ended.
I normally don't root for characters like this in movies. I am more a horror genre vet, but i was very pleased with this film, and would like to see more like it.
Racism is a disease that is destroying all races. Not just black and white. Until we realize that we are all on this planet: one planet, as one race...we will forever fight each other. We, black, white, hispanic, etc have to stand up to the adversity that we face. I am white, and i am disgusted to know what kind of past we (white people) used to live. I am from the south, and I am sure my ancestors were racist, or kept slaves (my grandfather is a huge bigot). I dissassociate myself from that negativity.
Color should only be seen in ART, not life. Fight to end Racism!
9 out of 10