Steel Toes - 2006

Movie #131
4 stars

This intense crime drama stars Oscar nominee David Strathairn as liberal Jewish attorney Danny Dunckelman, who's appointed by the court to defend Mike Downey (Andrew W. Walker), a neo-Nazi skinhead on trial for the murder of an East Indian man. Confronting religious and racial intolerance, Mike and Danny struggle to form an alliance despite their divergent beliefs and sensibilities in this provocative exploration of hatred and forgiveness.

Cast: David Strathairn, Andrew W. Walker, Marina Orsini, Ivan Smith, Aaron Grunfeld

Director: David Gow, Mark Adams
Tagline: Rage and intolerance collide with compassion



Favorite Quote:

Danny Dunckelman: [in ending the first meeting] Do you have any reason for wanting me on this?

Mike: Like I said: you're a humanist, liberal Jew, so you gotta do your very best.

Danny Dunckelman: Oh, yes, that's right... 'Course. I forgot.

Mike: In an ideal world, I'd have you eliminated. In this world I need you more than anyone.





The one major selling point of this movie is its simplicity...but at the same time it's lack of simplicity. The movie is mostly shot in the jail cell or in a meeting room. The plot is anything but simple...the two men's lives connect and they are changed forever....(yes I know, that is tacky)

Overall Recommendation: Almost life-changing...you have to watch it!