...although auteur writer/director David Gow's adaptation of his own play, "Cherry Docs," most likely packed a stronger punch on the stage. In a nutshell, a dedicated Jewish liberal humanist, Danny Dunckelman (played by the always reliable David "The Bourne Ultimatum" Strathairn), is appointed by the court to defend Michael Downey (Andrew W. "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch" Walker), an ill-educated lout of a skinhead neo-Nazi who, in a drunken fit of rage, has assaulted and inadvertently killed a Pakistani immigrant. The story centers on the conflict between the two men as they seek to come to terms with each other, and each with himself, as they construct Michael's legal defense. A theme of forgiveness predominates, almost pedantically so, a fault perhaps of the identifiably theatrical dialog. Still, the film is well shot, well acted, and concludes on a reasonable note of uplift and hope. If he can get himself cast in some high-profile roles, Andrew W. Walker will be an actor to watch. Co-director, editor, and cinematographer Mark Adam also contributes a great deal to the pace and look of things, and ought to have a long, successful career. Recommended viewing for those who may need a lesson on the poisonous nature of prejudice, but equally rewarding for those who need reminding of the healing powers of forgiveness.
23 Reviews
Andrew W. Walker is superb
bren-t-mgr7 September 2021
great acting, play powerful but also overwrought
SnoopyStyle26 April 2016
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.
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.
Unpleasant Movie w/ Good Acting...Poor Epilogue
pc9523 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers
A bit difficult to rate, Steel Toes goes over some dark and unpleasant subject matter - namely violence, ignorance, racist-skinheadism. It delves into it's content unafraid of coarseness of dejectedly hateful thoughts and dialog. It pits a Jewish lawyer intentionally representing a super-punk skinhead. Some of the good aspects include the fireworks-laden dialog along with the banter and fear involved with each confrontation. The process supposedly consumes both characters, but unbelievably at the cost of the lawyer's marriage - I had a hard time buying that. Nonetheless, both the leads turn in very good identifiable performances. The climactic scenes are full of angst, pity, yelling, and realization - very well acted out. However I didn't care for the epilogue too much - I thought the movie could've ended with the perpetrators realization and impact of his crimes. Maybe worth a look if you can stand the unpleasant subject matter.
An uninteresting chapter in the Skinhead Saga
chuckroddy29 July 2008
The movie is fairly well acted and produced, however the movie lacks originality, warmth, and anything that would make the tale necessary to tell.
Forgiveness is the primary theme, but never fully explored. The interesting plot points, such as the Lawyer's family shunning him for defending the skinhead, are left unfinished.
The ending leaves you feeling downhearted rather than uplifted. The skinhead's change of heart is hard to take seriously.
The character's motivations needed to be explored more. This seems like an empty "After School Special."
Forgiveness is the primary theme, but never fully explored. The interesting plot points, such as the Lawyer's family shunning him for defending the skinhead, are left unfinished.
The ending leaves you feeling downhearted rather than uplifted. The skinhead's change of heart is hard to take seriously.
The character's motivations needed to be explored more. This seems like an empty "After School Special."
great until the last 20 minutes
drake-harbinger6 March 2017
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.
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.
David Gow's Powerful Play Transfers to Screen with Tremendous Impact
gradyharp11 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
STEEL TOES is yet another low budget, independent film that unfortunately will not find the large audience it so justly deserves except by word of mouth publicity. It is available now as a DVD, complete with significant extra features, and is one of the more powerful statements about hate crimes, understanding intolerance, and the journey toward compassion this viewer has seen. It is adapted from the original play by its author, David Gow, and benefits from the fact that David Strathairn, who created the role on stage in Philadelphia, and repeats his performance on screen, subtly embodies the lead character Danny Dunkelman.
The title, STEEL TOES, is derived from the name of the combat boots worn by Skinheads, the band of racially intolerant men who strive to re-enact the tenets of Nazi theories. The film opens in Montreal with a group of these warriors, led by Mike (Andrew Walker in a career-making performance) who gruesomely kicks an Indian man repeatedly for no apparent reason except racial hatred. Mike is arrested, placed in prison, and faces a charge of homicide when the hospitalized Indian man dies of his wounds. Danny Dunkelman is the court appointed lawyer assigned to defend Mike. Danny is Jewish and acknowledges a loathing for Skinheads and it is the confrontation between Danny and Mike that polarizes the story between two men who innately hate the symbol each stands for. Danny is a committed humanist and tries to overcome his prejudice by carefully preparing Mike for hi courtroom appearance. Likewise, Mike for the first time begins to gain insight into the misguided life he has chosen, finding Danny a man whose compassion shows through his belief system and is the only chance Mike has for avoiding a long prison term for manslaughter. One key and poignant aspect of the case is the document the Indian man made before he died, a statement of his loss of sight, ability to walk or sit resulting form the brutal beating he received from Mike, and yet it is a call for compassion and forgiveness he makes just before he dies. Danny repeatedly makes Mike read this document until a change occurs - a climax in a story and in a relationship that is one of the more significantly powerful ever filmed.
This is essentially a two-character story, though in making it cinematically fleshed out some additional characters are added. But the impact of the story comes shining through the economy of the prison cell set and from the impeccable performances by both Strathairn and Walker. It is a brilliant work of writing, acting, directing, filming and sound that bespeaks the strongest aspects of committed ensemble work. It is quite frankly a film everyone who cares about the future of humanity should see. If there is any justice in the industry it will not be overlooked at Oscar time. Highly recommended. Grady Harp
The title, STEEL TOES, is derived from the name of the combat boots worn by Skinheads, the band of racially intolerant men who strive to re-enact the tenets of Nazi theories. The film opens in Montreal with a group of these warriors, led by Mike (Andrew Walker in a career-making performance) who gruesomely kicks an Indian man repeatedly for no apparent reason except racial hatred. Mike is arrested, placed in prison, and faces a charge of homicide when the hospitalized Indian man dies of his wounds. Danny Dunkelman is the court appointed lawyer assigned to defend Mike. Danny is Jewish and acknowledges a loathing for Skinheads and it is the confrontation between Danny and Mike that polarizes the story between two men who innately hate the symbol each stands for. Danny is a committed humanist and tries to overcome his prejudice by carefully preparing Mike for hi courtroom appearance. Likewise, Mike for the first time begins to gain insight into the misguided life he has chosen, finding Danny a man whose compassion shows through his belief system and is the only chance Mike has for avoiding a long prison term for manslaughter. One key and poignant aspect of the case is the document the Indian man made before he died, a statement of his loss of sight, ability to walk or sit resulting form the brutal beating he received from Mike, and yet it is a call for compassion and forgiveness he makes just before he dies. Danny repeatedly makes Mike read this document until a change occurs - a climax in a story and in a relationship that is one of the more significantly powerful ever filmed.
This is essentially a two-character story, though in making it cinematically fleshed out some additional characters are added. But the impact of the story comes shining through the economy of the prison cell set and from the impeccable performances by both Strathairn and Walker. It is a brilliant work of writing, acting, directing, filming and sound that bespeaks the strongest aspects of committed ensemble work. It is quite frankly a film everyone who cares about the future of humanity should see. If there is any justice in the industry it will not be overlooked at Oscar time. Highly recommended. Grady Harp
Boring!
pauljamesross30 March 2020
Excellent performance by David Strahairn & most of the cast
grogkill17 February 2007
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.
Equipped to stomp
bkoganbing7 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
One night after a concert in Montreal after a lot of boozing Andrew Walker skinhead is feeling in a real bad mood because he's a mean drunk. When Ivan Smith playing an East Indian immigrant accidentally spills some garbage he was tossing out from the restaurant he works at Walker feels this act of dissing deserves retaliation. So Walker knocks Smith down and proceeds to stomp him to death. He's wearing black steel toed combat boots and they are certainly equipped to stomp.
I had some mixed emotions about Steel Toes. The performances have David Strathairn as a liberal Jewish defense attorney and Walker on screen together for about 80% of the film and the two of them turn in some powerful performances. The best comparison that I can give is that of Sidney Poitier and Bobby Darin in that minor classic Pressure Point from the 60s. Instead of a lawyer Poitier is a psychiatrist and one rare black one from those times who gets Bundist member Darin as a client in a prison setting. He breaks him down in much the same way that Strathairn does with Walker.
But Strathairn's goal as a lawyer is get him the best sentence possible and possibly back then he would have had more maneuverability without hate crimes laws. I know Canada is far more advanced than we are on that subject.
Still this is a very powerful Canadian film shot on a shoestring budget with a pair of great performances from its two leads. Not to be missed if possible.
I had some mixed emotions about Steel Toes. The performances have David Strathairn as a liberal Jewish defense attorney and Walker on screen together for about 80% of the film and the two of them turn in some powerful performances. The best comparison that I can give is that of Sidney Poitier and Bobby Darin in that minor classic Pressure Point from the 60s. Instead of a lawyer Poitier is a psychiatrist and one rare black one from those times who gets Bundist member Darin as a client in a prison setting. He breaks him down in much the same way that Strathairn does with Walker.
But Strathairn's goal as a lawyer is get him the best sentence possible and possibly back then he would have had more maneuverability without hate crimes laws. I know Canada is far more advanced than we are on that subject.
Still this is a very powerful Canadian film shot on a shoestring budget with a pair of great performances from its two leads. Not to be missed if possible.
This movie has too many wrongs.
shwang-919372 July 2021
Do not watch this amateur film. Its more like a video shot by kids back in the 90s. I wasted my 2hrs on this boring flick. Clearly made by a indian hindu who hates Americans qnd westerners. In all this movie deserves a minus -0/10 DO NOT WATCH THIS FILM!
Brutality and Redemption
nturner8 November 2008
Steel Toes is basically a play that has been filmed - not usually my cup of tea - but the filmmakers have provided enough visual action to change it from a dry play put before a motionless camera into an engrossing character study driven by two extraordinary actors.
The story of one of brutality and redemption revolving around self-examinations by the two major characters.
Mike is a hateful neo-Nazi who beats an Indian man so badly that he eventually dies. The attack was basically unprovoked which caused it to be even more horrendous. Because of his skinhead ties, it has been necessary for the authorities to place him in isolation while awaiting trial.
Enter Danny who will be serving as Mike's defense attorney. Danny is a middle-aged Jewish man who somehow sees something beyond hate in his young client, and he makes it his goal to reach the human being buried deep within indoctrination and prejudice.
The interplay between the actors playing these two men - actually a man and a boy - is the meat of this film, and their time on screen is a luxury to the viewer.
David Strathairn portrays Danny. He is a consummate actor and, as Danny, he entitles us a view of a good, strong-willed man who, through his interaction with a young man lost to society, is able to reexamine his own life and goals. He is such a strong performer that the viewer never doubts the accomplishment of his gargantuan task of bringing about the reformation of a man filled with hate.
Andrew W. Walker plays Mike. Most of his credits are in television and in programs that are of no interest to me, so I did not recognize him. Actually, I think this heightened my enjoyment of his portrayal. He is astounding as a raw young man completely given over to hate, prejudice, and testosterone - a deadly combination.
There is a third extremely moving performance given in the film, and that is the one given by Ivan Smith as the Indian man beaten to death by Mike. The scene is that of Smith's character giving his victim impact statement in the hospital before his death. It is heartbreaking.
This film, in spite of its subject matter, actually has somewhat of an upbeat ending in which the triumph of knowledge and character overcome baser human emotions. Steel Toes is a delicacy for anyone who enjoys a film saturated with superior acting.
The story of one of brutality and redemption revolving around self-examinations by the two major characters.
Mike is a hateful neo-Nazi who beats an Indian man so badly that he eventually dies. The attack was basically unprovoked which caused it to be even more horrendous. Because of his skinhead ties, it has been necessary for the authorities to place him in isolation while awaiting trial.
Enter Danny who will be serving as Mike's defense attorney. Danny is a middle-aged Jewish man who somehow sees something beyond hate in his young client, and he makes it his goal to reach the human being buried deep within indoctrination and prejudice.
The interplay between the actors playing these two men - actually a man and a boy - is the meat of this film, and their time on screen is a luxury to the viewer.
David Strathairn portrays Danny. He is a consummate actor and, as Danny, he entitles us a view of a good, strong-willed man who, through his interaction with a young man lost to society, is able to reexamine his own life and goals. He is such a strong performer that the viewer never doubts the accomplishment of his gargantuan task of bringing about the reformation of a man filled with hate.
Andrew W. Walker plays Mike. Most of his credits are in television and in programs that are of no interest to me, so I did not recognize him. Actually, I think this heightened my enjoyment of his portrayal. He is astounding as a raw young man completely given over to hate, prejudice, and testosterone - a deadly combination.
There is a third extremely moving performance given in the film, and that is the one given by Ivan Smith as the Indian man beaten to death by Mike. The scene is that of Smith's character giving his victim impact statement in the hospital before his death. It is heartbreaking.
This film, in spite of its subject matter, actually has somewhat of an upbeat ending in which the triumph of knowledge and character overcome baser human emotions. Steel Toes is a delicacy for anyone who enjoys a film saturated with superior acting.
Breathtakingly predictable and oh so-o-o boring.
xpat-551929 April 2020
As soon as the skinhead had been in porridge for week or two the ending became blindingly obvious.
Possible relief from my increasing ennui would have been if David Strathairn's scruffy Jewish lawyer character could have only also been a frequent casual loud-farter during their prison interviews, which would have been such a welcome change of direction which could have seen an enraged skinhead viciously attacking his flatulent lawyer in his oft-polluted, evil-smelling cell - to give him a 10/10 good hiding as a fillip to what had rapidly become a slumber-fest.
Possible relief from my increasing ennui would have been if David Strathairn's scruffy Jewish lawyer character could have only also been a frequent casual loud-farter during their prison interviews, which would have been such a welcome change of direction which could have seen an enraged skinhead viciously attacking his flatulent lawyer in his oft-polluted, evil-smelling cell - to give him a 10/10 good hiding as a fillip to what had rapidly become a slumber-fest.
In an ideal world, I'd have you eliminated. In this world I need you more than anyone.
Sylviastel24 March 2020
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.
American history XI? political agenda?
twi16093729 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The movie was well done, I can not argue with that. The acting was superb by all persons. If its intent was to make an emotional impact, it succeeds. That said, that it was done well is not the end of the story. It looks good, but leaves an awful taste in your mouth. The movie has only solidified my beliefs that the Canadian justice system is not a system of justice. The main character in this movie deserved to die for his crime, a 90 second speech can not mitigate that. Neither 7 months nor 7 years can mitigate that. This was in most areas a murder of the first degree, a brutal, ruthless, act. The heinous, atrocious and cruel nature of the crime permeates the entire movie and it is imposable to not consider that as a factor in reviewing the movie. The writes wanted to show that the worst criminals in out society need a second chance that was the "moral of the story". The movie attempts to show that rehabilitation is always possible and it may be correct, but it is not just, and that can't be ignored. Because rehabilitation could occur does not mean it should be allowed to occur, the movie addresses that in an indirect way, but its overall message is everyone deserves a second chance. The entire point of the trial was an attempt to get him a lesser sentence that is the reason for the change of heart. A true, remorseful, contrite individual would not seek a reduced sentence; the movie misses the mark here also. Seeking leniency based only on the basis that he was thinking incorrectly is not a justification for anything; again the movie misses the point. Furthermore his "Coming to Jesus" was so predictable.
This is not American history XI, in X move the sentence was harsher, and the provocation was present and the crime far less brutal. 99% of humans would feel remorse for committing an act such as was committed in this movie. If there is any crime worth death or life imprisonment, I shutter to think of one that is more appropriate. He can make his peace with god.
As Judge Irving Kaufman said, "What I am about to say is not easy for me. I have deliberated for hours, days and nights. I have carefully weighed the evidence. Every nerve, every fiber of my body has been taxed. I am just as human as are the people who have given me the power to impose sentence. I am convinced beyond any doubt of your guilt. I have searched the records- - I have searched my conscience- - to find some reason for mercy- - for it is only human to be merciful and natural to try to spare lives. I am convinced however that I would violate the solemn and sacred trust that the people of this land have placed in my hands were I to show leniency to the defendants Rosenberg. It is not in my power, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg to forgive you. Only the Lord can find mercy for what you have done, the sentence of the court upon Julius and Ethel Rosenberg is, for the crime for which you have been convicted, you are hereby sentenced to the punishment of death".
Also U.S. Supreme Court DRED SCOTT v. SANDFORD, 60 U.S. 393 (1856) 60 U.S. 393 (How.) DRED SCOTT, PLAINTIFF IN ERROR, v. JOHN F. A. SANDFORD. December Term, 1856
Mr. Justice CURTIS dissenting. Political reasons have not the requisite certainty to afford rules of juridical interpretation. They are different in different men. They are different in the same men at different times. And when a strict interpretation of the Constitution, according to the fixed rules which govern the interpretation of laws, is abandoned, and the theoretical opinions of individuals are allowed to control its meaning, we have no longer a Constitution; we are under the government of individual men, who for the time being have power to declare what the Constitution is, according to their own views of what it ought to mean. When such a method of interpretation of the Constitution obtains, in place of a republican Government, with limited and defined powers, we have a Government which is merely an exponent of the will of Congress; or what, in my opinion, would not be preferable, an exponent of the individual political opinions of the members of this court.
This is not American history XI, in X move the sentence was harsher, and the provocation was present and the crime far less brutal. 99% of humans would feel remorse for committing an act such as was committed in this movie. If there is any crime worth death or life imprisonment, I shutter to think of one that is more appropriate. He can make his peace with god.
As Judge Irving Kaufman said, "What I am about to say is not easy for me. I have deliberated for hours, days and nights. I have carefully weighed the evidence. Every nerve, every fiber of my body has been taxed. I am just as human as are the people who have given me the power to impose sentence. I am convinced beyond any doubt of your guilt. I have searched the records- - I have searched my conscience- - to find some reason for mercy- - for it is only human to be merciful and natural to try to spare lives. I am convinced however that I would violate the solemn and sacred trust that the people of this land have placed in my hands were I to show leniency to the defendants Rosenberg. It is not in my power, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg to forgive you. Only the Lord can find mercy for what you have done, the sentence of the court upon Julius and Ethel Rosenberg is, for the crime for which you have been convicted, you are hereby sentenced to the punishment of death".
Also U.S. Supreme Court DRED SCOTT v. SANDFORD, 60 U.S. 393 (1856) 60 U.S. 393 (How.) DRED SCOTT, PLAINTIFF IN ERROR, v. JOHN F. A. SANDFORD. December Term, 1856
Mr. Justice CURTIS dissenting. Political reasons have not the requisite certainty to afford rules of juridical interpretation. They are different in different men. They are different in the same men at different times. And when a strict interpretation of the Constitution, according to the fixed rules which govern the interpretation of laws, is abandoned, and the theoretical opinions of individuals are allowed to control its meaning, we have no longer a Constitution; we are under the government of individual men, who for the time being have power to declare what the Constitution is, according to their own views of what it ought to mean. When such a method of interpretation of the Constitution obtains, in place of a republican Government, with limited and defined powers, we have a Government which is merely an exponent of the will of Congress; or what, in my opinion, would not be preferable, an exponent of the individual political opinions of the members of this court.
Powerful, moving... Hate changed into tolerance, into love.
littleprince197720 February 2006
Powerful, moving... I am so VERY impressed and humbled. From what I saw on your first cut into what I watched tonight, this movie which forced my attention time and again back to watch and refocus on the screen, had such a wonderful progressive movement from that movie into this one.
I've jotted down thoughts as I was watching it... most all of these notes are therefore in sequential order but just quick thoughts: Great grab at the beginning, one thinks it's an action movie. The slow effects- spot on- good! Entering into the cell first time -- the grid work shadowing -- wonderful Overall: Music -- oboe, cello, violin, piano....touches a persons heart strings.
Sound effects... really hammer home many things; hard, cold, etc. of the prison environment.
The first St. Viatteur scene with Muslim and orthodox Jew was good transition.
Really well cut re: close in and full shots... especially first meeting and last (e.g., chair breaking) scene. Yes, the tub scene worked with Danial, finally I understood what he was thinking and then he focused on the "Victim Impact Statement".
Showing the passing of time... worked well... good angles of the prison- stark, cold.
Interior prison scenes: really worked, bars, blocks, sun off the wall.
It was very clear at the beginning... the dialog which meant to convey 'try me for me, not for what I believe', etc.
Danny and mike "what happened with you today" worked great... it wasn't necessary to know what and why.... leaves the minutiae up to the audience... yet, the frustration is clearly seen... based on prior scenes and what was going on in that one.
The window-washing scene... so clearly showed Danny's frustration at so many things but then framed against a "random act of kindness"
Very clearly you were able to capture the home and work responses to his work on this case with very little air time.
The title grew on me... as it's significance was played up during the course of the movie. ALL scenes carried a very nice juxtapositions between Dan/mike Great scenes to close with... jail vs. free ... yet both were in their own prisons.
And the end provided hope for them and for us. Wonderful Work.
I've jotted down thoughts as I was watching it... most all of these notes are therefore in sequential order but just quick thoughts: Great grab at the beginning, one thinks it's an action movie. The slow effects- spot on- good! Entering into the cell first time -- the grid work shadowing -- wonderful Overall: Music -- oboe, cello, violin, piano....touches a persons heart strings.
Sound effects... really hammer home many things; hard, cold, etc. of the prison environment.
The first St. Viatteur scene with Muslim and orthodox Jew was good transition.
Really well cut re: close in and full shots... especially first meeting and last (e.g., chair breaking) scene. Yes, the tub scene worked with Danial, finally I understood what he was thinking and then he focused on the "Victim Impact Statement".
Showing the passing of time... worked well... good angles of the prison- stark, cold.
Interior prison scenes: really worked, bars, blocks, sun off the wall.
It was very clear at the beginning... the dialog which meant to convey 'try me for me, not for what I believe', etc.
Danny and mike "what happened with you today" worked great... it wasn't necessary to know what and why.... leaves the minutiae up to the audience... yet, the frustration is clearly seen... based on prior scenes and what was going on in that one.
The window-washing scene... so clearly showed Danny's frustration at so many things but then framed against a "random act of kindness"
Very clearly you were able to capture the home and work responses to his work on this case with very little air time.
The title grew on me... as it's significance was played up during the course of the movie. ALL scenes carried a very nice juxtapositions between Dan/mike Great scenes to close with... jail vs. free ... yet both were in their own prisons.
And the end provided hope for them and for us. Wonderful Work.
Waste of TIime
strkrz10 May 2008
This film I expected to be an excellent indie flick, but what I got was complete disappointment. This movie could have been summed up in 10 minutes, but instead dragged on for an hour and a half. There is at most only 2 scenes worth watching, and even they are nothing new to cinema,have already been seen and done better in other films such as American History X and Romper Stomper. I think the acting may have been OK, but the storyline was weak, and there was nowhere near enough material to make this story last. Overall, I advise that you only recommend this to someone film if you wish to play a cruel practical joke on them, in which case you tell them its a great film and to watch it.
Very underrated reviews for a fantastic performance
aandrewdorst7429 August 2013
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!
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!
steel toe more like plastic toe.
nigelnoel-765472 July 2021
A fail moralist fable
jackasstrange6 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Toes of Steel is a Canadian Pre-Courtroom Drama(if that genre exists) . The theme is pretty simple: a Skin-head kills an Indian man in the street, then a Jew lawyer is called to defend him. Sounds promising... however, the way which the conflict is build is totally nonsense.
I'll begin talking about the technical aspects of the film: The edition is very lazy, you can already see that in the poorly made and acted first shots. Also, the plot is full of holes. A quick example could be the lawyer's family,which seems to be in conflict with him, but such theme is never explored deeply and suddenly it's poorly solved. Totally pointless. The clichés are equally annoying. The story is just predictable to the very beginning until the end. The characters reactions are also incomprehensible.
To be honest, this film is more a poorly made rip-off of American Story X than anything else. However, it lacks everything which made the latter a great film.
But okay... if you take in consideration it's length(only 87 minutes), it may be(may) a watchable film... if you don't have any idea beforehand of what it is about. So yeah, it's not worthy. 3.7/10
I'll begin talking about the technical aspects of the film: The edition is very lazy, you can already see that in the poorly made and acted first shots. Also, the plot is full of holes. A quick example could be the lawyer's family,which seems to be in conflict with him, but such theme is never explored deeply and suddenly it's poorly solved. Totally pointless. The clichés are equally annoying. The story is just predictable to the very beginning until the end. The characters reactions are also incomprehensible.
To be honest, this film is more a poorly made rip-off of American Story X than anything else. However, it lacks everything which made the latter a great film.
But okay... if you take in consideration it's length(only 87 minutes), it may be(may) a watchable film... if you don't have any idea beforehand of what it is about. So yeah, it's not worthy. 3.7/10
Masterpiece
yoxy873 February 2014
This movie is very cleverly done, phenomenal dialogs and fantastic acting make this film a real masterpiece. It's about soul of a young man that has been lost in Nazi ideology and Jewish lawyer who will rise above the hate and try to help him. After just one viewing you will not see the true intentions of some sentences, but in the end it will all make sense...I read somewhere that this film should be shown in schools and I think that's a really good idea because it carries the message that is absolutely correct and can affect young people not to go the wrong path. Here, you will not find expensive movie effects but you will see the true human emotions...
Is this even a legit movie?
checkinstayvista2 July 2021
Tommy Wiseau-esque
Guratza10 February 2024
We tend to take for granted, nowadays, the average production value of most films, which is, as a matter of fact very, very high (even for television series).
This film is a throwback to the yesteryear of b-movies, a reminder of the uncanny feeling that a quasi-professional can evoke. Even during the opening credits, it was pretty obvious. So much so, that when the name of the director of photography appeared on screen I wondered to myself : "there was a dop in this?".
All in all, there is an overall Tommy Wiseau-esque quality running every aspect of the film (apart from framed pictures of spoons maybe). The plot, timing, character arcs and most components that make a story coherent and conventionally structured leave a lot to be desired from the writing, and the poor artistic choices, such as slow motion shots without the proper equipment complement visually in an equally incompetent manner.
The only saving grace is the actors' genuine attempts to save this mess. There are countless better films both in the skinhead and courtroom drama subgenres. When you have seen all of them, and really have nothing to do with your time, then watch this. Otherwise, skip and don't look back.
This film is a throwback to the yesteryear of b-movies, a reminder of the uncanny feeling that a quasi-professional can evoke. Even during the opening credits, it was pretty obvious. So much so, that when the name of the director of photography appeared on screen I wondered to myself : "there was a dop in this?".
All in all, there is an overall Tommy Wiseau-esque quality running every aspect of the film (apart from framed pictures of spoons maybe). The plot, timing, character arcs and most components that make a story coherent and conventionally structured leave a lot to be desired from the writing, and the poor artistic choices, such as slow motion shots without the proper equipment complement visually in an equally incompetent manner.
The only saving grace is the actors' genuine attempts to save this mess. There are countless better films both in the skinhead and courtroom drama subgenres. When you have seen all of them, and really have nothing to do with your time, then watch this. Otherwise, skip and don't look back.
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