Crash on DVD (2005)

A must see.............

A customer from Abbey Wood, London , 10/08/2005

It's hard to describe Crash without it sounding earnest. But while this provocative drama tackles racism, class and looking beyond appearances, it's anything but worthy or dull. Following several lives as they, yes, crash together during one day in LA, it's fuelled by powerhouse performances from an outstanding cast. Sandra Bullock is startling as a bitchy housewife, Don Cheadle brings beaten-down grace to the role of a weary detective and, as a racist cop, Matt Dillon's steely presence holds everything together.

Some critics have criticised Crash for its reliance on coincidence. Which, given it's a deliberately structured modern parable, is a bit like damning War Of The Worlds for having aliens. Writer/director Paul Haggis (who scripted Clint Eastwood's Oscar-winner Million Dollar Baby) sets out to address difficult issues: why middle-class whites are afraid of working-class blacks, why being racist doesn't necessarily mean being inhuman, and how politics confuses the truth ('What are you, the ****ing defender of all things white?' yells William Fichtner's scheming internal affairs officer at Cheadle).

'FEW FILMS ARE AS DARING'

It perhaps isn't as accomplished Magnolia (a great film, which revels in its absurdity) or Short Cuts (another LA story dominated by a twisted cop). But Crash's problems (a self-important score and overwrought finale) pale next to its emotional impact. Few films feature scenes as powerful as the contrasting car clashes between Dillon and Thandie Newton (both moments heart-in-mouth horrifying in different ways ). Few films are as daring. Few films this year are as deserving of your attention.

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Racist, gripping, excellent

Emma. B from Tottenham (Ghetto), London , 22/08/2005

I watch a lot of films, some good, some bad, some very bad. Crash is none of the above. It is a superb film. It's an astoundingly ambitious film which manages to take a subject as raw and sensitive as racism and racial identity and find a clear voice. It portrayed the inner turmoil that is often at work within all of us. It says the things we dare not for fear of being called a racist. This film doesn't make racism ok. It doesn't say it's alright to have those thoughts. All is says is that people do have these thoughts. It says the world is a strange difficult confusing place to get your head around at the best of times. It has a ‘Short Cuts’ feel to it in terms of all the people being linked. It's a beautifully filmed movie with a stellar cast of actors. The script is excellent and manages to capture the essence of many a misunderstood conversation. Miss it at your peril!

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Professional and Well Crafted

Rip from Manchester [Highly rated reviewer] , 29/06/2007

This is an intricate and intelligent film which explores the effect that people have on one another as they come into contact in different situations in everyday life.

In particular the film portrays what happens when people stereotype one another in terms of race or when people go out of their way not to stereotype.

The film portrays an imperfect and complex world that doesn't always work the way we expect or want it to.

The characters are not all nice or all nasty, they face difficult choices and the consequences of their choices.

I was worried the film was going to be depressing but I found it left me with hope for people being able to do good.

A professional and well crafted film.

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You NEED to see this film.

Tobo from Kent , 06/09/2005

Fallen Angels, and Demons redeemed.

This film shows how short life can be, and how we can ALL be so horrible and caring to each other.

BUT - this is a feel good movie. It gives you a peek into the precipice, and ensures you never want to go there.

Couldn't tear my eyes from it. A masterpiece.

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Crash! Rent it now!

A customer from Wrexham , 30/08/2008

Excellent film - thought provoking, well acted and a unique story! Compelling!

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Terrible

FarCanals from Rochester , 06/09/2008

If you are a teacher wishing to explore racism with your teenage students then this is the film for you.

Transparent characters, cliiched stories and Sandra Bullock!

Not worth watching unless you are stuck at the bottom of a well and even then the darkness and sound of dripping water is most likely preferable....

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