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"You think you know who you are. You have no idea."

Such is the theme of 2004 Best Picture winner "Crash".

It's the story of how race relations affect different residents in the culturally diverse Los Angeles as they bump - or crash - in and out of each other's lives.

And, in a little over 100 minutes, Paul Haggis weaves together this deeply faceted tapestry with skill.

It is one thing to tell the story of one protagonist and one antagonist, but what the filmmakers do here is create a story of several different people who - at one point or another - each play protagonist and antagonist to each other and to themselves.

No one is right.

No one is wrong.

Each one is tested, and each one succeeds and fails in their own way.

The star studded cast delivers deeply felt performances as victims and as heroes.

The theme may be a little heavy handed for some, but the message is undeniably relevant. Even in 2004, racism plays a part in our culture whether in subtle tones or explosive blasts. It's been woven into our culture, in the way we relate to each other and the way we convince ourselves that our behavior is justified.

This was especially true in Matt Dillon's award winning portrayal as Officer Ryan. He unapologetically holds a grudge against all African Americans due to circumstances that were really no one's fault. His behavior is abominable, and he doesn't bother to hide his antagonism.

In one of the most uncomfortable scenes in the movie, Officer Ryan humiliates and criminally harasses a successful black couple as played by Terrence Howard and Thandie Newton.

His redemption later was a punch in the gut as he is forced to put his feelings aside to do his job, in a scene that will have you on the edge of your seat where you find yourself rooting for him despite yourself.

In fact, there are several emotionally heart wrenching scenes in the movie that will take you by surprise.

Most notably are the scenes that include actor Michael Pena. The scenes with Daniel and his daughter are so tender and sweet, as a seasoned moviegoer you may instinctively predict that things will not go well for them. But even an experienced screenwriter could not see what they had in store.

Another surprise performance came from Ludacris, who proves that racism doesn't always mean the suppression of minorities by others, but by the minorities themselves.

His moment of reckoning comes in a scene with no words - which makes it all the more powerful. Even more powerful, probably, than his inevitable moment of truth.

The movie moves between storylines with artful editing, that keeps you invested and keeps you guessing. This is a feat for a movie with one story to tell, which makes what Paul Haggis accomplished with Crash all the more admirable. Many times he drives his point home with poignant scenes that have no dialogue at all.

It is a testament to the successful marriage between the filmmakers and the cast, and it has the awards to prove it.

If you think that Crash is just another predictable film shoving the issue of racism down your throat, you may think you know.

But you have no idea.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Voight.
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