2004

Cast- Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillion, Jennifer Esposito, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, Chris Bridges (Ludacris), Thandie Newton, Micheal Pena, Ryan Phillipe, Larentz Tate

Directed by Paul Haggis

Winner of Best Picture Oscar and Best Original Screenplay

It’s Los Angeles around Christmas and the lives of a diverse cast of characters intertwine to show the ugly underbelly  of racism.  A politician, a detective, a director, a thug, policemen and others all face their own demons in this excellent ensemble film.

Why I Love It – The all-star cast and the way that Haggis put all of these different stories together was so satisfying to me.  Michael Pena’s character almost broke my heart and Sandra Bullock’s anger resonated.  But it was the rest of it, all of it, the bad with the good that make me love it.  Matt Dillion and Thandie Newton’s scenes together? Full circle storytelling.  Same with Don Cheadle.

The hate and prejudice was so in your face.  It’s out in the open and not blunted by political correctness.  It’s an anger, unfortunately, that is alive and well in 2019.  I know it’s no for everyone, but for me it was real and raw and shines a light on things that people don’t like to discuss.