thesar-2
'Neo Ned' was kind of hard to watch. For the abundance of the racist slurs? The hate crimes? No, it was hard as you really couldn't root for anyone, side from possibly the orderly (Suplee) or the psychologist (Elwes.) Sure the so-called racist-with-a-heart Ned or the crazy-or-not Rachael appear on paper as likable characters, but really you have to think of them as either strongly immature or just plain stupid. Yes, I see the background of Ned – I did watch the movie – but doesn't make him any less of a person you really should avoid, yet smart (and portrays otherwise) Rachel can't help but care for the less than human Ned. Basically, Ned is sent to a mental hospital after stomping a black male with the help of a "great" attorney – helping him avoid real prison. Now, watching his upbringing and bankroll (or family,) I can't imagine he could afford other than a public defender, and no offense to those who work hard for the underprivileged, I strongly doubt they could've gotten such a reduced sentence. There he meets the only interesting, though enormously flawed, character of the movie Rachel, who believes, despite being a black female, she possesses the soul of Hitler. When released, they begin a strange bond, him with dreams, her just along for the ride. And when freed, Ned immediately steals liquor and a car. All pity you can feel for Ned's past is lost; he did have a bad upbringing, but is still responsible for his adult choices. No one seems to question the stolen vehicle. In fact, he gets mad when he, himself, is car-jacked. And what a laughable closing – (spoiler) No way would she get her daughter back and his very happy ending. Yeah, I get it, but still it was hilarious.
gabjag
I just saw this movie at the San Diego Film Festival. I had some reservations about the premise - a love story between a Neo-Nazi and an African American.But we quickly discover that Ned -the "Neo Nazi" - is really just a very simple and childlike person with a great need to be part of a group.They did a good job of making the main characters multidimensional and "likeable".There seem to be a few technical glitches in the first five minutes of the film, and there is also a small 10/15 minute lull in the middle of the piece - but a small price to pay for a solid film.Overall, I thought the writing, acting and directing were great.
bjpphoto
I saw this film through the Palm Beach International Film Festival and I absolutely loved it! It is a love story for those of us who don't like love stories. At first, when I read the synopsis I rolled my eyes at the thought of a Neo Nazi man falling in love with a Black woman who believes that she is Adolf Hitler. After viewing the movie, I see now that it involves so much more. Ned is a young man who more than anything wants desperately to be a part of a family and he finds that in Rachel even though she is literally the complete opposite of him and his beliefs.Both Jeremy Renner and Gabrielle Union do a phenomenal job with their characters. Renner's portrayal of Ned is almost childlike as he yearns for attention- weather it's positive or negative. You can't help but to fall in love with Ned and Rachel and after a while you find yourself routing for them. Overall I think this is an amazing film and I think that everyone should take the time to watch it! I love this movie more and more every time I see it!
yvillalobos
I had the opportunity to see this film at the Tribecca Film Fest. This is a winner. The movie is a little shocking,its funny and its sad with a bittersweet ending all rolled in one. The acting is awesome. This is truly Jeremy Renners best! I had seen him in Dalmer,which I thought he was great,but his performance as Ned is much more explosive. When a Neo Nazi skinhead can bring a tear to your eye you know its good. Gabrial Union's character is a deeply misunderstood young woman who comes across very believable on screen. I later learned during the Q&A session,after the movie, that Gabrial is in fact a rape survivor. She stated that she was able to relate to her character through her own life experiences. She brings great depth and her own natural beauty to the film. Her inner strength really shines in this movie. Sally Kirkland (a true Hollywood legend) brings her enormous presence to the screen as Neds Mother. A role in which she is able to show how truly talented and funny she is. There is lots of great acting in this film. I love this movie because it shows how two people from very different worlds manage to fall in love ,while discovering what they really need in life to be happy. I hope to see this film on the big screen soon.
AD
