Crash

Crash is perhaps the most honest (and most self-critical) cinematic depiction of a country’s problems. That is probably because Paul Haggis is a sensitive Canadian and is thus able to reflect the environment in which he lives as an expat better than someone who was born there. The film takes a broader view than, for example, 21 Grams, dramatically linking the life paths of several protagonists as it follows their stories from a greater distance without connecting them to a powerful motif. However, it is still emotionally powerful with many strong moments that remain in your memory. It doesn’t judge anyone, nor does it divide the characters into good and evil, instead depicting them as vulnerable beings controlled by dark forces. “You think you know who you are?” (29/09/2005)

There are two free seats on the bus, one of them is next to a white guy, the other is next to someone with brown skin. Where would you sit? This film answers this and similar questions, hinting at the circumstances that lead to them. Is it racism or avoiding a risk from fears based on previous negative experiences? An often unnecessary but quite logical price of mixing nations together. (08/04/2009)

There are certainly a few scenes that get under your skin and make you shudder, but as a whole it’s too contrived, too "for effect" (in this respect I experienced the same feelings at the turning point in Haggis's other film Million Dollar Baby), too many coincidences that I found hard to accept, unbelievable behaviour of some of the characters. I didn’t buy it... (29/10/2005)

Overall, pretty ordinary stories of ordinary people (read typical Yanks of all three races), but they are presented with quite good directorial skill and interesting work and narrative style, making Crash an engaging film that can grab and not let go. There is only one point and fairly simple, there is more or less no story, but the A-list cast and the director's clear goal of showing the viewer an ordinary American day, along with the clearly established rules between whites and blacks, make for an enjoyable two hour film that makes you sweat at times. (14/09/2022)

The mirror reflecting contemporary America is perhaps angled in a way so as to provide the most effective reflection, but the whole thing is so believable that it's hard to resent it for that. Haggis's minimalist form achieves the best effect, which is an emotional attack on the viewer. Simple camera work, no directorial gimmicks or excesses, subtle music by Mark Isham, and above all, strong content that, in its own way, lacks a unified plot but instead fragments into a complex mosaic of individual human destinies and leaves an incredibly powerful, realistic, and human impact. Moreover, the strong cast elevates the quality of the film even higher. Still, I can't help but bring up one name - Don Cheadle. He is perhaps unfairly overlooked as an actor, but he proved here that he belongs to the absolute top in his field and that he has no issues taking on any role. Coincidences may not exist, but after watching Crash, one can successfully question that notion. (02/12/2005)