Steel Toes

Synopsis
Academy-Award® nominated David Strathairn portrays Danny Dunkleman, a Jewish liberal humanist, and the court-appointed lawyer representing Mike Downey (Andrew Walker), a Neo-Nazi Skinhead on trial for the racially motivated murder of an East Indian immigrant. Steel Toes takes us into the intense and fiery relationship that develops between these two men as they explore their emotional and intellectual differences. Steel Toes is a provocative exploration of the inescapable and insidious presence of racial and religious intolerance in our society.

Review
The film starts off with a typical skinhead beating which is the cornerstone of the entire movie that enfolds. The rest of the film explores the psyches of the two men as they square off against one another exposing and stripping bare their souls. Slowly the hate nurtured and nourished from the past gives way to tolerance which proves quite unsatisfactory leading the protagonist to a realization that love or compassion is the only need in the world we live in. The journey of this realization causes collateral damage in the life of the lawyer whilst the light he ignites in the skinhead grows brighter and shine through. A must watch!
"Explosive new drama & a provocative exploration of the inescapable and insidious presence of hatred in our society." - The Toronto Star

"Strathairn, with his expressive eyes and tremulous voice, is good at suggesting confidence tinged with doubt, and he's well matched by Walker, who brings menace and danger to his role as the defendant." - Toronto's Now Magazine Glenn Sumi

Also See: The Believer