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Hate Crime (2005) More at IMDbPro »

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35 comments in total

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16 out of 19 people found the following comment useful :-
Suspenseful, thought-provoking, 25 January 2005

Author: (adiqua@aol.com) from United States

This movie explores the dark side of religion--in this case, how hatred of gays can disrupt and even devastate people's lives. It is a very thought-provoking movie, and provides a perspective on how people become "gay bashers"...even, and especially, those who consider themselves Christians. One scene was exceptionally well developed and produced which explores how the same issue can be so differently viewed when coming from a place of love versus a place of fear.

The actors are all very believable and effective in their roles, but I must give a "hats off" to Pastor Boyd, Trey's mother and the Neighbor Woman...they really give exceptional performances.

The music score really helps build the suspense in a very subtle way, and was supportive of the meaning of the movie throughout. I found myself thinking about the movie, different scenes, parts of the dialog...for DAYS afterward. It really made me examine my values and honestly explore how I would react in the same situation. And that, to me, is what good movie-making is all about.

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12 out of 13 people found the following comment useful :-
An engaging and thought provoking film., 5 May 2005

Author: Kevin Mulhare from United States

This evening, I had the privilege of viewing Hate Crime at a limited (one night only) engagement in Phoenix, Arizona. It is unfortunate that this outstanding film does not yet have a distributor. I would definitely recommend it to friends and co-workers.

This is an extraordinarily well written and well executed film. Although Hate Crime would obviously attract a gay audience, its appeal is so much broader than that. I've seen too many "gay" themed films which suffer from weak scripts and predictable outcomes. In stark contrast, this film is engaging, intelligent and suspenseful.

Hate Crime side-steps the political hype and focuses on the very real and personal consequences of the subject matter. The characters are people you care about – trying to cope with a terrible tragedy. They are flawed. They are "flesh and blood". They are not stereotypes. The cast – comprised of veteran actors and some newcomers – provides a universally outstanding performance.

The production value is excellent. (This film has been produced in High Definition and the effort is well worth it – even to the untrained eye.) The score is suspenseful and complements the story line.

I cannot recommend this film highly enough. I hope that as it is shown by way of other limited engagements, it will be picked up for distribution so it can be viewed by the much larger audience it well deserves!

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14 out of 17 people found the following comment useful :-
Thoroughly Enjoyable - Deserves Distribution, 11 May 2005

Author: christinal44 from Gilbert, AZ

I saw this film as part of a niche festival in Scottsdale, AZ. And I am very grateful. Because had I not been notified by a friend, through word-of-mouth, I would not have known. That is my biggest concern. This film should be 'Out There' for all to see.

The production value is top-notch - as good as you would see in any Hollywood movie - and better than most that you would see on t.v.

The casting choices, and the acting, were perfect for the portrayal of the characters.

The story was well crafted.

And, most importantly, the messages were universal.

I personally believe that all would benefit from this film inasmuch as I believe that all would benefit from watching 'Angels in America'. Yes, the premise is based on intolerance directed against a very likable, same-sex couple, and the subsequent effects that reverberate through the lives of their respective families and friends as a result. But I did not see this as a gay film. The messages are cross-applicable and universal. I would hate to see this film pigeon-holed. Its messages are not delivered as ham-handedly as 'Angels in America'. It is easy to watch, enjoyable and thought-provoking.

I laughed, I cried, and I cheered out loud.

It is a situational drama. And hopefully in the end the audience will ask not only 'was this right' but: 'If placed in such a situation, for whatever reason, what would I do?'

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11 out of 14 people found the following comment useful :-
Very polished first film., 5 May 2005

Author: Steven Bradford (bradford@seanet.com) from Seattle WA

I just returned from a screening of Hate Crime.

Badger pester and cajole your local art house, film series or festival to book this film. I went in expecting sort of the same tired, cliché driven gay theme film we are so used to seeing, especially from first time writer directors. But not only is it very accomplished as a film, the script is excellent, and ultimately not predictable, though several times during, you will be certain you will know what will happen next--and proved wrong. Most of the actors are new faces, at least for me, and all are good to excellent, primarily the leads.

Not only is the dialog impressive, I enjoyed how this director wasn't afraid of unspoken silences, and holding a moment or scene, letting it play out.

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8 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
One of the Best Films I have seen at the Philadelphia Film Festival Ever!!, 9 July 2005

Author: tjstoys2003 from United States

I just got back from watching the film. It was Amazing!!! The Story, The Acting, The Directing, The Sound, and Cinematography it was all Perfect. Yes there was that one scene that was so intense that I wished it wasn't there but I think that it was because it was done so well that it was to real for me. I just have to commend everyone associated with this film. Please I know that it is sometimes hard to get a small budget movie a DVD/Video Release but you must, you just have too. Everyone that has ever been in Love with someone to the point you would do anything for them has to see this film. I have been going to the film festival here in Philly for a decade now and have seen about 100 movies in those years and this is Top 5 with out a doubt.

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9 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :-
Solid story from a first-time director, 18 February 2005

Author: la_princessa_tx from United States

This is a solid story from first-time director, Tommy Stovall. I like to be surprised with twists in dramatic films, such as this, and the first half of the film led me to believe that there wouldn't be any. Oh, but there was! I'm not one to spoil a good plot twist so I'll leave you all to see it for yourself, but know that it was a pretty decent twist. There was one point in the film where I actually cheered out loud in the theater because Stovall did such a great job of developing his main character, Robbie, played by Seth Peterson, he made you really love it when good things happened. One scene I particularly enjoyed was the church scene - CREATIVELY executed.

The story is a very serious topic - one that would generally make me uncomfortable watching, but it was put together well and for a small budget project, turned out great.

The only major criticisms I had were 1) the acting of the primary child actor was not fabulous - there's a crying scene that's hard to take serious because you can tell he's "acting" and 2) Robbie's colorful neighbor character didn't seem as developed as you'd have thought she should have been. She was cute and funny, but it seemed like she was missing an endearing scene or two to help build her relationship between her and her neighbors, who she considered family.

Seth Peterson, Farah White, Brandy Little, Cindy Pickett and Bruce Davision were particularly good in this film. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this film a 7.5 to 8. Go see it, the subject alone and how it's dealt with should be seen by everyone. Hate is not a family value. Thank you Tommy, for making this film.

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7 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
An excellent movie about a hate crime and revenge, 5 May 2005

Author: mrgregoc from United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

A great story and some fine acting made this more than just a movie about an anti-gay hate crime. Seth Peterson gave an excellent performance as Robbie, struggling to find out the truth about who beat and killed Trey. Cindy Pickett's portrayal of Trey's mother Barbara is full of anger and pain, and Bruce Davison's as Pastor Boyd overflows with hellfire and venom; two of the best performances I've seen so far this year. Giancarlo Esposito's as Detective Esposito fell a bit flat. His character came across very one dimensional - both as it was written and acted - and his reasons behind his lack of action were never really explained. But perhaps that's just from my having seen so many episodes of CSI. Everything else about the movie was fantastic. Stovall's well-written story could have stuck with the melodrama of a family coping with their son's death but instead turns the plot towards revenge with the last 20 minutes of the film being completely riveting.

I usually don't comment much on how a movie is edited, but one scene in particular stands out to me: after Trey's death, two different church services are held, one at Trey's church and one at Pastor Boyd's. Trey's church is full of light, and Father Tim speaks of the love that God has for everyone; Boyd's church is decorated in dark woods, and pastor Boyd speaks of how God has decreed that two men laying together is an abomination. The two very different churches battle against one another thanks to fine editing from Darrin Navarro, showing how the same words can be interpreted in different ways.

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8 out of 10 people found the following comment useful :-
Where Can I Get My Copy?, 17 July 2005

Author: cherisx from Los Angeles

This is the second screening I have been to of Hate Crime. I liked it better this time than the first time.

This film not only makes you think, it keeps you thinking. Being a straight, middle-aged woman, I expected a film that would be aimed only at gay people but I was totally wrong. This film is for everyone. It is the type of film that truly raises your awareness no matter how "understanding" or "accepting" you THINK you are.

The first time I saw the film, my favorite scene was the two church sermons. The directing and editing was extremely well done.

This time the scene between the two mothers that made a huge impact on me. It really made me think! The actors were excellent. Seth Peterson plays the central character, Robbie seamlessly. He made me cry several times in this film.

I also thought Lin Shaye and Farah White were outstanding in their roles.

This film borrows some elements from great films like "In The Bedroom" and "Dead Man Walking" but is not imitative at all. There is suspense and sorrow and well as a few surprises.

Go see it if you can.

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8 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :-
Amazing, everyone should have to see it!, 17 April 2005

Author: Grace from Sedona, Arizona

I saw this movie when it opened in Sedona at the International Film Festival. It hit me so hard and it is something that I will always remember. I loved it so much, it has an amazing message. It isn't like the other movies that just directly bash a religion, it shows a positive, it shows what's right. It is a movie that shows all sides of the equation. You did an amazing job as well to surprise your audience, the ending was incredible. Your actors were amazing. Also, I loved that you had other people involved, the neighbor, the mothers. Different relationships grew in the this movie. AMAZING!! Thank you Tommy and Marc for making such an incredible movie. Also, your son is adorable! Thank you soo much!!!!

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10 out of 15 people found the following comment useful :-
Excellent Movie!, 4 May 2005

Author: Xeos131 from Phoenix, Arizona, United States

I came out of this movie completely amazed. Every part of this film was done very well. The combination of: the superb acting by all the players, the score and sound editing, the well-shot cinematography and the great film quality from the HD camera they used really worked for bringing this memorable film together. I was taken more at back when the writer said, in a Q&A after the showing I saw here in Phoenix, that this was his first attempt at writing a screenplay and it only took him 16-18 months to write the script. Hearing that really encourages other people who dream of becoming a screenwriter. If you get a chance to see this movie, go see it!

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