Makes some trenchant and powerful points about racism, and the way the poor are often turned against each other. Nicely shot, and mostly well acted.
That said, it's become a fairly familiar story, and this reminded me of a lot of other films.
Also, as good as the performances often were, I kept being naggingly aware I was watching actors doing a very good job 'acting like' poor, uneducated people. Especially with the young lead, -- I felt just the slightest hint she was playing 'down' to her character.
I did appreciate the lack of softening the edges of these characters to make them 'likable'.
I'll still take this kind of socially aware, intense film over 99% of what's out there, even with any flaws.
That said, it's become a fairly familiar story, and this reminded me of a lot of other films.
Also, as good as the performances often were, I kept being naggingly aware I was watching actors doing a very good job 'acting like' poor, uneducated people. Especially with the young lead, -- I felt just the slightest hint she was playing 'down' to her character.
I did appreciate the lack of softening the edges of these characters to make them 'likable'.
I'll still take this kind of socially aware, intense film over 99% of what's out there, even with any flaws.