I can understand why the Academy gravitated towards this race-oriented drama. However, it picked a film that beats you over the head with the idea that racism is bad. I'm pretty sure most people watching this film already knew that. While there are some creative sequences, there are an awful lot of incredible coincidences that tie these characters together. Some of the transformations are a little far-fetched as well. The actors do a fine job for the most part, even though the father/daughter scene is pretty melodramatic. I really don't think this is a bad film and worthy of the insane amount of hate it gets, it just is a bit simplistic for a Best Picture winner in the modern era.

....from Pasto,Colombia...Via: L. A. CA., CALI, COLOMBIA and ORLANDO, FL

After seeing CRASH for the first time, in September, 2005, I said " WOW!... Why haven't I found out about this movie before?" (Well, maybe it's because it was released in the U. S. just a week before going to Colombia on vacation, on May 14, 2005.) This is the kind of film that you often dream about seeing, but are really lucky if just one of its caliber is released in a year!

Scenes from the Movie seem to have kept swirling around in my brain for weeks! Below, I'm going to explain why: CRASH impacts not so much for its action as, perhaps, its title might imply, nor fantastic scenes utilizing dazzling "CGI" effects, but by the undeniable quality and human warmth of the story it tells.

Time and again, CRASH shows us people, whom, at first, seem so easy to decipher, so black and white, and then, in a matter of seconds, disorients us with a chilling dose of unadulterated, hard reality: People are not at all one-dimensional, like in the comics. We are flesh and blood, replete with clandestine simmering passions, occult emotional scars, irrational internal conflict, and oftentimes victims of relentless, implacable, merciless fate! In stark contrast to its title, CRASH impacts for the subtlety that it displays from beginning to end. Boasting a truly majestic cast, CRASH is directed, orchestrated and integrated with inspiration by Paul Haggis, who also demonstrates here his creative genius in the capacity of writer, producer and composer. There is absolutely none of the "formula", which so infects almost all Hollywood films, in this independent Lions Gate Films production.

CRASH takes place in my hometown of Los Angeles, which serves, in this case, as a microcosm representative of the entire United States. (Which is really not all that far removed from reality.) That there have been films in the past that have focused on racism or racial prejudice is undeniable. The vast majority of these pontificate on racism as the worst of evils, in a repetitive manner, without any real in-depth perspective. In addition, they almost always focus on one particular ethnic group. (Prejudice against blacks, Jews, Mexicans, etc.) More often than not, in these films the oppressed are all saints and the oppressors are all demons! There is a certain disconnect with reality. In contrast, there is multiracial interaction in CRASH. Whites with blacks, blacks with Asians, Orientals with Latinos, Asians with whites, Arabs with whites, blacks with Latinos, etc.

In its notes about the production, IMDb lists a figure of just 6.5 million as the total cost of production. Absolutely amazing, considering that within the cast there are several actors who probably typically charge 5 to 10 million to perform in just one movie! Sandra Bullock (GRAVITY), Don Cheadle (Ocean 's Twelve, Hotel Rwanda), Matt Dillon (Something About Mary), Brendan Fraser (The Mummy, George of the Jungle) and Ryan Philippe (Cruel Intentions), all in roles that are in stark contrast to the type of role that made them famous, and each portrays a resonating, multi-faceted character who is very credible. CRASH makes it easy to identify with many of its characters, regardless of race, ethnicity or country of origin.

There are no sex scenes or graphic violence in CRASH, but as there are many issues that are aimed at adults, consequently, it doesn't seem that CRASH would be of much interest to those under 12 years of age. Of over 100,000 movies on IMDb, CRASH is ranked at Number 334 and rated a 7.9!

...ENJOY/DISFRUTELA! Any comments, questions or observations, in English o en Español, are most welcome!

"Crash" won the 2006 Oscar for Best Picture. I don't quite understand that, as IMDb lists the release date as 2004. Well, whatever...all I know is that it is without much doubt one of the most unique and emotional films I have ever seen. While it is NOT a film I recommend to everyone (see later in my review for more on this), it's a brilliantly creative film that is more like riding an insane roller coaster for 110 minutes! Seriously.

Describing the plot in this film is VERY difficult. In fact, if I tried, the film might seem ordinary but it certainly isn't. Suffice to say that the movie consists of many separate stories in Los Angeles that all come together in a strange tapestry. And, most of the stories involve gun violence, race prejudice and misunderstandings. I just can't say much more to describe it--see it and experience an emotional film that will leave you numb and make your heart skip a few beats.

Now as I said above, the film is not for everyone--though it is brilliant. There's a lot of harsh language (necessary for the plot--not gratuitous) and the movie is a serious emotional roller coaster. You will probably feel about to cry and it will affect you--I can't see how it can't. It's amazing, actually, but so intense that I don't recommend it to kids or folks with a weak heart (I am serious). Watch it and be amazed.

Sublime--something that is beyond words.