The heinous impact of hate crimes in America -- ranging from the murders of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. to the Columbine High School massacre in Littleton, Colorado -- is the focus of this educational documentary. Interviews with friends and families of hate crime victims (including Judy Shepard, Matthew's mother) are combined with interviews with psychologists, educators, sociologists, and celebrity activists, including
Elton John, Kathy Nijimy,
Roma Downey, and
Della Reese. The film also examines how such tragedies can be prevented, and how the attitudes of the prejudiced can be reoriented in more positive ways. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide