Hi this is Sylvie (Xiaoyu Weng).
The story is based on racism, one of the most deeply rooted issue in the US. I was surprised to find out there are still such large-scale white supremacist gangs in the country even though negro slavery has been abolished more than a hundred years ago. To present such a serious and sensitive topic, this film choose a small but smart entry point, using nonlinear narrative to depict the story of a family.
Derek’s dramatic transition is the main clue of the story. From a irritable neo-Nazi who would smother his own sister just because of a conversation over the table to the one who wishes to start with a clean slate and prevent his young brother from repeating the same path, what happens in the jail is the biggest puzzle that arouses the audience’s curiosity. Derek learns not to judge a book from its cover and think about the long-lasting prejudice and hatred he holds. The scene that he finally laughs in front of the black co-worker is a break-through moment of his life. But personally, I find the flashback in the jail a little bit lengthy but not powerful enough. Also, while I was watching the film, I wondered what would be the turning point of Danny. However, Danny just changes his position when hearing Derek’s story, which seems kind of unnatural considering he used to be such a fanatic.
The story ends with Danny’s monologue, “Hate is baggage”, which is probably the theme of this film. All those feud of the human society roots from our greed and lust.
It takes long to let go of it all, and I hope time can be healing.
Speaking of films talking about racism, I have to mention my all-time favorite: Crash. It uses several interweaved stories to present the racial tension in Los Angeles. I like its way of storytelling, and also the theme it conveys. There is always a dime light when everything seems to be crashed.