At first glance, the world seems a little crazy through the eyes of Crash, though one gradually begins to suspect that this version of social dynamics is most likely closer to reality than many ever glimpse. There are no buffers and people speak freely, releasing anger and prejudices that usually lay dormant in the shadows of social etiquette and political correctness. No single star stands out in Crash, as everyone captures and holds each moment as if it was the most critical of the movie. The threads that connect these unlikely comrades in life are so fragile and the tension is so thick that one’s breath catches just watching the stories unfold.

In post-September 11 Los Angeles, several people’s lives are altered in a 36-hour period as they cross paths, battle crises, and face revelations about themselves, with race at the center of everything. The Mexican locksmith struggles to start a new life for his family as his nemesis, the Persian shop owner, struggles to maintain what he already has; the trapped Black detective deals with his troubled family and his affair with his Latin partner; the White District Attorney tries to get more votes by hailing a crooked, dead Black cop as a hero and spends more time checking out his Black assistant, than his White bitter wife; two black criminals spew out social commentary as they perpetuate stereotypes; and a Black director and his wife deal with harassment from a White cop, while the latter’s partner learns the price of arrogance.

First time Director Paul Haggis’ roots lay in television with writing and/or producing credits for 70s, 80s, and 90s shows including One Day at a Time, Different Strokes, thirtysomething, and Due South. Though he has other screenwriting jobs under his belt, Haggis’ critical transition to the big screen was truly phenomenal; he is the screenwriter for Academy Award-winning Million Dollar Baby.

Crash is very intense and with the exception of perhaps a bit too much being left on the editing floor, it is a tremendously powerful movie. It is a well-done examination of the kind of relationships that can develop, the changes that should occur, and the lives that are uplifted or destroyed through honest dialogue. It is both intoxicating and frightening: much like life itself.