Superficial Treatment of an Important Subject

Hate, indoctrination, violence, consequences, understanding, forgiveness and redemption. I love the concept that the object of hate becomes the doorway to forgiveness and compassion and ultimately, to an expanded heart and mind. This film could have been amazing, but it's not.

I really wish the writer would revisit this piece or allow another writer to flesh it out a lot. In these areas:

- give each character more dimensions.
- expand on the process Mike goes through as he "does his homework."
- offer some perspective on what the struggle is for the lawyer in his personal life
- give the characters of both the crime victim and the lawyer more attention. SHOW what gave them the ability to forgive and to offer hope. If we are to believe that Mike came to a place of understanding, empathy and remorse, then we need more than the suggestion that he is affected by these two men.

The forgiving man suffers and dies and the compassionate man suffers and has a breakdown. Really? And, that's all there is to say about that?

As written, this piece leaves too much out. The ending felt rushed and did not satisfy. If the elements I listed above had been addressed with depth, then the story would have been one about "the journey" rather than one about "the destination." As is, it's neither.

David Strathairn never fails... he's a born actor. All of the other performances were unimpressive, although, the actor who plays Mike, (if this was his first time acting) shows some promise.

Perhaps someone else will tackle this subject matter with a deeper and expanded view.





Debate my points. Challenge my perspective. Prove me wrong. Only, do it with a smile.