Well, where to start? I think racism is a problem in America, and even more importantly on a global scale. That seems like an odd way to start a review, but I think it should be said, because for all the critical acclaim this movie has received I can only assume people are having a hard time decoupling their feelings for the movie and the importance they place on the problem of racism. Sure, sure, I’m missing the point, or I’m not understanding the film. I am understanding that the cut scene included an asian woman rear-ending a black woman named Shaniqua while it snowed in LA. What amazing imagery!
Anyway, it’s honestly not a terrible movie, the technical aspects are all quite good even. The acting, technical directing etc I think were all great. The problem though is being lectured on racism by Paul Haggis, of London, Ontario whose population is amazingly over 91% white, and has “low crime for it’s size”. I’m not saying that an outsider can’t write about racism and culture, but they can’t very well write about it from the perspective of a Thai slave, or a hispanic locksmith, or a Iranian immigrant.
The film was unduly pessimistic, to the point of breaking any notion of realism. Such a high percentage of people simply aren’t that racist, if you want to hook people, or preach to them you have to start with reality. Everyone has a voice, and we all have something to say, if I want to hear what it’s like to be an Iranian immigrant, or black man in LA, I don’t see why I wouldn’t watch a film, or read a book by one of them, or did you forget they can express themselves? If you’re a white Canadian man trying to convince me your story of the black drug addict, and Thai slave is important you have a large job ahead of you.