Crash (DVD, 2005, Widescreen)

In Crash, Paul Haggis directs a star-studded cast in an exception movie that won over critics in its small-screen release. Crash is the interweaving story of a series of post September 11th Los Angeles residents that somehow connect and affect one another in a provocative manner that challengees the audience as much as it does the characters. The result is a wonderfully connected and intense story that connects that lives of various ethnicities, religions and backgrounds. The troubling aspect the film is that it accurately portrays today’s societies and prejudices – making much of the film troubling and uncomfortable to watch. For that reason alone, it is an important movie to watch.

And while Crash is well written, wonderfully directed, and emotionally turbulent, the acting is superb. The cast is lead jammed with stars – Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, William Fichtner, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, Christopher Bridges, Thandie Newton, Ryan Phillippe, Larenz Tate and Tony Danza. Don Cheadle is excellent – as always. I was surprised at how well Dillon portrayed his nasty role. And Terrance Howard preceeded “Hustle & Flow” (another terrific performance) with this fantastic portrayal.

What’s most impressive about the movie, however, is that the audience somehow connects with each of the characters’ lives that “Crash” traverses through. In the same way that American History X was powerful – you will leave Crash somehow (and troublingly) empathizing or relating to someone or something that you didn’t expect. That’s the power of Crash and a credit to the acting – they challenge the audience to reconsider themselves, societal norms, etc and in a riveting way.

“Crash” is one of the year’s best movies and for good reason: it has a point. Profiling race relations in Los Angeles, “Crash” is not afraid to aim for the fence and hope for a home run. It succeeds more than it misses.

Expect some drastic character developments as well as some sometimes disturbing but brilliant dialogue. You’ll view characters differently at the end vs. the start in a good and bad light.

One slight knock on the DVD is the lack of suitable extras. They could have at least included the trailers but they are noticeably absent. There’s really no replay value in any of them. The picture and sound are solid enough.

I think that this is an important movie to see and I would recommend you get the chance to view it at least once.

Thought provoking and so close to the truth that it is scary....this movie is one of my all-time favs. I've watched it repeatedly. The characterizations are perfection. Love everything about this one!

This movie is excellent! Must buy not rent. It breaks down stereotypes. Shows us how we are all connected in some way and how short life really is. Great cast of actors/actresses. Very suspensful, a little humor and whole lot of messaging. Has 5 or 6 stories going on at the same time.

Tensions erupt when the tangled lives of a Brentwood housewife (Sandra Bullock), her district attorney husband (Brandan Fraser), a Persian shopkeeper,
two cops- one a detective (Don Cheadle) and the other a racist (Matt Dillon),
a pair of carjackers and a korean couple converge over a 36 hour period in the diverse metropolis of post 9/11 Los Angeles. Movie was an Oscar Winner for
Best Picture and writer-director Paul Haggis continued his great work here
in the follow up to the movie Million Dollar Baby that starred Clint Eastwood.

A great cast of celebrities that all perform magnificently in this movie. The movie hovers around the idea of stereotypes, prejudice and racism. There are many ideas that you may not even think of when you think of those things, but can in fact be hurtful to others.

Crash will definetely leave you thinking and in some cases blown away. It truly is a must-see movie and in my opinion.. it's a great way to self-analyze yourself (be your own head shrinker and see how you tick).

Being an old Cali gal, not only can I understand the drama and plot of the movie anyone can. It was exciting from the very beginning. This drama made you feel like your right there. You felt what all the characters were going through. It grips you from the start, you find yourself on the edge of your seat, it is full of twists and turns and most of all surprises. I found myself so involved that I did not want it to end! I wanted more!

Before going into this movie I was expecting the same ol' racial stereotypical crap. You know, the black actor befriending a white/Asian actor, where the comedy is supposed to start somewhere between making the white/Asian actor(s) look as lame and awkward as possible by comparison. Typical and stupid beyond words. A big FU to all the Jamie Fox's, Will Smith's and Wayan's brothers of the World! Congrats on selling out to further the stereotypes.

It's Hollywoods signature application, the formula, one constantly peddled to us with that typical shock value to make a quick buck, it's no secret. It's not unheard of after all and to this day I'm still amazed to see people paying for tickets to go see Something like Hitch or Rush Hour(2) with a straight face. Tools. Crash is a bit misleading on the surface. In a Steel Magnolia esque way of story telling, it proved to be much more than what TV spots and Trailers lead it to be. The core of this movie is about racial stereotypes sure, but it's also much more. I don't mean to sound wishy washy, but this movie really teaches a lesson. It's screaming: "Look at yourselves people! Look at what you reduced yourselves to! Look how rediculous we are!. But it doesn't have to be that way!"

Crash isn't just a movie, it's an ironic and implicit lesson for all Americans. Sure it shows the worst sides of people, all people, all races, all creeds (the exact "book cover" of what I first saw and hated in the TV spots, but thats the easy part). But like the cartoon southpark, it takes no sides. It shows the potential of how stupid we ALL are, as different races, be it Black, White, Asian, Arabian or as the movie specifies...Persian. But at the same time it shows that no matter how awful we can be to each other, that we can at the same time...have the potential for compassion, the potential for good with those that we didn't once trust. We all make mistakes and sometimes have the wrong feelings because we don't fully understand. Unfortunately todays media preys upon that negativity and uses it to get ratings. Thus fanning the flames. As much evil there is in the world, there is good. It's up to the individual to decide where they belong. This movie did what it set out to do.

With Crash, writer Paul Haggis shows he's more than willing to bet the farm on a mere plot device. The characters in this film are largely one-dimensonal and bland. Many lack the screentime to truly develop, and end up undergoing massive change with little to no apparent catalyst. That doesn't seem to matter though. Such a multitude of characters means there can be a multitude of coincidental meetings, allowing Haggis to hammer in his shallow message with the subtley of a wrecking ball.

This movie is all about style and flare. It flails it's arms wildly and tries to convert you with it's passionate tone, but it simply comes off as manufactured in the end. You can almost feel Haggis trying to pull your heartstrings right out of your chest at certain points in the film. But you know it's fake. And dirty. This isn't the chronicles of a real city, as Haggis might have you believe. It's a fairy tale of gloom and despair about a place that doesn't exist. A shallow piece with the clear intention of filling theatre seats, rather than saying anything of value about race relations in America.

Now Crash does have redeeming qualities sprinkled throughout. Don Cheadle's acting is solid as always, and Terrance Howard is a newcomer that shines brightly. The editing is top-notch as it shoots you from locale to locale without missing a beat. It might even put you on the edge of your seat for a moment or two. Overall though, it simply doesn't resonate as the wise and powerful piece it was intended to be.

Racism is discussed (not to mention Slurred) at great leangth in this film, But it never gets to preachy and is always entertaining... I just didn't get the white jokes, but that could just be me (LOL)

Issues of race and gender cause a group of strangers in Los Angeles to physically and emotionally collide in this drama from director and screenwriter Paul Haggis. Graham (Don Cheadle) is a police detective whose brother is a street criminal, and it hurts him to know his mother cares more about his ne'er-do-well brother than him. Graham's partner is Ria (Jennifer Esposito), who is also his girlfriend, though she has begun to bristle at his emotional distance, as well as his occasional insensitivity over the fact he's African-American and she's Hispanic. Rick (Brendan Fraser) is an L.A. district attorney whose wife, Jean (Sandra Bullock), makes little secret of her fear and hatred of people unlike herself. Jean's worst imaginings about people of color are confirmed when her SUV is carjacked by two African-American men -- Anthony (Chris Bridges, aka Ludacris), who dislikes white people as much as Jean hates blacks, and Peter (Larenz Tate), who is more open minded. Cameron (Terrence Howard) is a well-to-do African-American television producer with a beautiful wife, Christine (Thandie Newton). While coming home from a party, Cameron and Christine are pulled over by Officer Ryan (Matt Dillon), who subjects them to a humiliating interrogation (and her to an inappropriate search) while his new partner, Officer Hansen (Ryan Phillippe), looks on. Daniel (Michael Pena) is a hard-working locksmith and dedicated father who discovers that his looks don't lead many of his customers to trust him. And Farhad (Shaun Toub) is a Middle Eastern shopkeeper who is so constantly threatened in the wake of the 9/11 attacks that he decided he needs a gun to defend his family. Crash was the first directorial project for award-winning television and film writer Haggis. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Running Time: 122 mins
Complete Cast:
Sandra Bullock - Jean
Matt Dillon - Jack Ryan
Shaun Toub - Farhad
Terrence Howard - Cameron Thayer
Thandie Newton - Christine Thayer
Ryan Phillippe - Officer Tom Hanson
Michael Pena - Daniel
Tony Danza - Fred
Dato Bakhtadze - Lucien
James Haggis - Lara's Friend
Billy Gallo - Officer Hill
Beverly Todd - Graham's Mother
Loretta Devine - Shaniqua
Don Cheadle - Graham Waters
Jennifer Esposito - Ria
Brendan Fraser - Rick
Chris "Ludacris" Bridges - Anthony
William Fichtner - Flanagan
Larenz Tate - Peter
Art Chudabala - Ken Ho
Nona Gaye - Karen
Marina Sirtis - Shereen
Sean Cory - Motorcycle Cop
Karina Arroyave - Elizabeth
Keith David - Lt. Dixon
Ken Garito - Bruce

Director(s):Paul Haggis
MPAA Rating: R(Not For Children, Violence, Profanity, Sexual Situations)
Writer(s):Robert Moresco, Bobby Moresco, Paul Haggis
Producer(s):Bobby Moresco, Cathy Schulman, Paul Haggis
Technical Details:
Studio:Lions Gate
Genre:
Drama

This movie had all the factors for greatness. Characters that you like or dislike right away. There were intense moments of anxiety and then the stories twist and turn and what got me was how my opinion of the main players shifted. The good guys (at first) turned out to be not so good and the bad guys were not all that bad after all. Great stories and perfect length to the movie. Left me feeling very alive and appreciative.

In high school most people in the United States have been taught that America is no longer a melting pot where different ethnicities are assimilated into one homogenous mix, but a tossed salad where people keep their differences from their ethnic backgrounds. The ethnic background includes aspects such as race, linguistics, religion, and culture. This knowledge frequently drifts into some unused part of the brain, as it slowly moves into oblivion. Nonetheless, the ethnic differences between people continue to exist in the United States, as people work and handle their personal matters on a daily basis. Crash tells a story of people from all parts of the world, as African-Americans, Asians, Caucasians, Hispanics, and Middle Easterners move through life and occasionally bump into each other by accident, a crash if you will.

Through daily interaction people accidentally connect with each other where stereotypes and generalizations are made based on assumptions from the brief incidents, previous events, and hearsay. This is often the result of simplified deduction, which could be colored by emotion and bias. The skewed perception of people with different ethnicity could also stem from appearance, gender, and the socioeconomic status of the observer and the observed. Paul Haggis directs several interesting characters from all walks of life such as police officers, criminals, locksmiths, storeowners, and TV directors. Some are caring while others neglect those around them. They have one thing in common with each other - no one is alike.

Instead of playing the card of racism in a black and white manner, Haggis cleverly intertwines all of the characters through a truly genuine approach. The origin of intolerance is being dissected through the camera that depicts the characters' behavior while also displaying the source of the behavior. Through the characters Haggis displays different emotions such as fear, anger, hatred, and love. These different emotions are expressed in different manners, as interactions between the characters accidentally appear. Some times the observed feelings are subtle, as when Jean (Sandra Bullock) in fear grabs Rick's (Brendan Fraser) arm while Anthony (Ludacris) and Peter (Larenz Tate) walk by them, which is even mentioned by Anthony. Another more overt example is when Farhad (Shaun Toub) speaks in Farsi to his daughter at a gun store in Persian, as the gun store manager throws out prejudicial comments toward Farhad.

Many of the scenes display racism, but the focus is on an incident before that triggered emotions such as rage, fear, and hatred. These powerful emotions burn violently inside each person when being hostile, as the individual regresses into simplistic thinking using their stereotypes and generalizations as guides. When each person regresses through anger someone always tends to get hurt either physically or emotionally. In turn this anger breeds more anger much like Hydra, as when one head is cut off two new heads grow out. The anger develops into fear of similar incidents which then is communicated to friends, media, or other channels of communication. Sometimes people simply neglect to inform others of racist behavior in fear of repercussions. Consequently, the fear brings about more negative generalizations that feed the hatred. In the story the hatred is directed toward people due to their ethnicity, as race is the easiest thing to observe since it rests within the skin color of each person.

Crash

Although this movie has some glassy-eyed moments, a few worthwhile surprises, and some poignant situations, you know what the whole movie is about as soon as the hispanic detective gets out of her car and starts yelling at the asian woman in the first scene. This movie is about race and ethnicity, and they press every possible situation in which tension could occur. In this regard, it is shallow. The overall meaning is right at the surface. You know what the makers are trying to get across. That being said, it was very well done, and the surprise situations and the character change make it worth it. Several intense situations make it engaging. It is for adults, but any audience will enjoy it.

Great representation of what we perceive in others. This movie will heighten your cultural awareness. This movie should be a requirement for all high school curriculums. It was a requirement from my boss to see this movie.

I really did not like this movie that much but it beat brokeback mountain for best picture of the year so it gets my vote for excellent.

This is definately different type of movie from Hollyweird.It has a hard dose of reality.What is it? Blacks and Whites do not get along,but at least the white people try.

Political correctness is a bunch of bs.It hides what is realy inside us all.What am I talking about? See the movie for yourself.

Acting: The actors deliver an impressive dramatic performance.

Sound: Crsytal clear and plays the other character in the movie.

Music: Aside from the rap, the music is pretty good.

A movie definately worth owning.

I loved this movie. It epitomizes the everyday inner workings of life. This show has you identifying with its characters. I understood when Sandra Bullock's character says she thought it was the robbery that made her angry, but then one day she realized it wasn't the robbery, she wakes up feeling angry every day but she doesn't know why. I believe a lot of people have that same problem in today's society.
Likewise I couldn't help myself but to laugh when they talked about some cultures preferring to park in their yards. I have a neighbor across the street from me who is of the opinion it is perfectly alright to park in his front yard all the time...that is a hoot.
All in all, its about tolerance (or a lack thereof) that everyone shares, and how one act good or bad can have so many far reaching consequences. I have watched this movie twice and got even more out of it the second time around. I highly recommend it, it's provocative, well written, executed, and entertaining in a sad sort of way.

If you havent heard about Crash, it is a racially charged drama starring a huge cast of A list actors and actresses. I bought the disc right when it came out and dont plan on parting with it anytime soon! I believe it grabbed some Academy Awards, of which it was well deserving! Thanks for reading my opinion, and if you'ld like to check out my store, I am permitted by ebay to provide you a link here:
http://stores.ebay.com/SellsEveryTime

Several stories interweave during two days in Los Angeles involving a collection of inter-related characters, a black police detective with a drugged out mother and a thieving younger brother, two car thieves who are constantly theorizing on society and race, the distracted district attorney and his irritated and pampered wife, a racist veteran cop (caring for a sick father at home) who disgusts his more idealistic younger partner, a successful black Hollywood director and his wife who must deal with racist cop, a Persian-immigrant father who buys a gun to protect his shop, a Hispanic locksmith and his young daughter who is afraid of bullets... These are all the major players of this movie, yet nothing about the movie has been told. This amazing film just continues right to the very end when all of these people lives all meet in the center.. How funny people world go Full Circle in a matter of days... Must see movie Great Cast.. Matt Dilion is perfect. Don Cheadle Always takes on great rolls, fantastic.. There are so many people in this movie.. All I will say is this movie would not work without the great acting everyone did.

My Grade A

This is a very good movie.. Great Acting, Fine Story, Makes you think about life.. and how things you do can come back to haunt..

Crash is one of those "must see" movies. The way this movie explores and exposes racism, reverse-racism and the complex human being is phenomenal. There is no black and white, only a fine mix of colors and shades both inside and outside of each person. Forget what you think you know and watch this movie. I have no doubt your opinions and perceptions will change and/or broaden. One viewing just isn't enough to do this movie justice. I recommend viewing it at least five times. I recommend this movie for ages 13 and over as long as an adult is present to answer questions.

This is a life altering movie!! From content to characters, you are bound to bond with one of its many stories. This is a must see and a must own DVD.

This one really gets you thinking about how what we do affects others, and how we will never know the consequences (good or bad) of our choices!!!

Can't say enough about "Crash". Matt Dillion and Don Cheadle deserve standing ovation for their performance!!!

Features Actors:Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, Brendan Fraser, Ludacris, Thandie Newton, Ryan Phillippe, Michael Pena, Larenz Tate
Running Time:115 Min.
Rating:R
Genre:Drama

Graham (Don Cheadle) is a detective stretched thin between fighting with his partner and girlfriend, Ria (Jennifer Esposito), carrying for his drug-addicted mother, worrying over his missing brother, and investigating a shooting between cops that may be racially motivated. Jean (Sandra Bullock) is a rich white woman who is carjacked by two young black men. While she copes with her anger and prejudice, her district attorney husband, Rick (Brendan Fraser), is trying to spin the story in such a way that he won't lose either "the black vote or the law and order vote." Anthony (Chris "Ludacris" Bridges) and Peter (Larenz Tate), the carjackers who are constantly debating race politics, accidentally run over a "Chinaman" (actually a Korean man) on their way to sell the merchandise and are later shocked to find themselves confronted by an unexpected ethical dilemma. Officer Ryan (Matt Dillon) is a racist cop with a sick father and a lot of rationalizations for his prejudice. When he pulls over an upper-class black couple, Cameron (Terrence Howard) and Christine (Thandie Newton) with his partner Officer Hanson (Ryan Phillipe), he crosses a line and intentionally humiliates them both. After this traumatic experience, Cameron gets a new perspective on his status at work as a television director and Officer Hanson commits himself to "doing the right thing" and reporting his partner, not realizing where that path will take him. Dorri (Bahar Soomekh) is a young Persian woman trying to convince her shopkeeper father (Shaun Taub) not to buy a gun for his store. He does anyway and careens toward tragedy when he sets out to take revenge on a locksmith, Daniel (Michael Peña), trying to keep his young daughter safe.

This is a good movie, you have to pay attention since they go from one persons life to another.Would recommend to rent or buy.Hope this helps you decide.Thanks for reading! :)