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This is what happens when someone who doesn't understand subtlety tries to handle a subject like poor race relations. Every character in this movie, save for Ryan Phillipe early in the movie is just a terrible human being to every other character. Yes, you've figured out that racists cause problems, WHAT A SHOCKER! The reactions of the people in the film to other characters are completely unrealistic and caused me to constantly be reminded that I am watching a film about people who are trying to prove a point than actually being absorbed in the movie. Everything in this movie could have been avoided had people simply acted like normal, decent human beings. This movie makes me angry that it won awards with such a terrible story.
What's great about it: Solid acting
What's not so great: Style and emotion without substance.