Steel Toes

OK, I really wanted to rate this a 10, just because I saw how underrated this movie was in its reviews by a small group of people whom I believe tainted its rating unfairly.I do believe that this movie was a solid 9, however, and if more people watched it, it would be ranked up there where it rightfully belongs.

This movie doesn't sugar coat how certain groups indoctrinate and are fueled by hatred, and how others, who are hated, can choose to respond apart from that ignorance. That, in itself, was a courageous endeavor that ended up truly moving. The best part, though, were the phenomenal performances and believability of the actors in the key roles...my hat off to you all for such very fine work, above and beyond, in an ongoing crisis of wills that has lasted way too long in our beautifully diverse world. This is a truly stunning performance and tribute to a richly ancient people who have represented God's heart and will in the midst of adversity. I sure hope to see more of these films, more of these actors, and hope more of the viewers who choose to watch and be as moved as I was, and my company, choose to vote and review this movie into the top where it belongs... good watching to you all!

Mike Downey (Andrew Walker) is a white supremacist skinhead. He is arrested for beating up an immigrant as a hate crime. Liberal Jew Danny Dunkelman (David Strathairn) is assigned as his defense lawyer. Mike is a young angry man. Danny is confronted by family and friends. Both struggle to come to terms with their beliefs.

This is mostly a two person play. Strathairn is a class act and his greatness is expected. Andrew Walker is equally amazing. As for the play, some parts of it is poignant while other parts feel overwrought. It's walking on a knife's edge. The movie has both types of moments. It can be powerful one moment and fake the next. It's definitely pushing its agenda very hard and it can feel preachy. Some of it feel fake and rubs me the wrong way.

David Gow wrote it first as a play between a Canadian Jewish attorney, Danny Dunckelman and a Canadian white nationalist skinhead, Michael Downey. The actors were played by David Straithairn and Andrew Walker. They did a terrific job. Straithairn played the role on stage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When the director and screenwriter, David Gow, made the movie. Straithairn jumped at the chance to play the role onscreen. It's a powerful movie even if it's not evident. Andrew Walker did a terrific job as the remorseless racist skinhead.

It is a movie that should be required viewing in schools. I was privileged to see it at the Woodstock Film Festival this past year. Unfortunately, films of this caliber that have a vital message rather than providing moviegoers with a thrill a minute "entertainment" too often do not receive sufficient funding get them into the local movie houses. The plot is timely and the acting is superb and realistic. I felt that, possibly in order to cut expenses the story was cut short. The "interplay" between Danny and his wife, Anna, and Danny and his brother could have been given more attention. Hopefully, the fact that David Strahairn is starring will provide the necessary backing to give the public an opportunity to see Steel Toes.

This was an 8/10 until the final 20 minutes. Then it got very, very stupid.

I suggest you watch it. It is worth watching, but ugh, the end blows hard. It progresses from an insightful, touching movie to...ugh.

Watch it. You'll see.