Tools for this page
Print

Sorry, Haters

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Charles Cassady Jr.

Ashade (Abdellatif Kechiche) is an educated Syrian Muslim driving a taxi, trying to earn enough money to keep his brother from being deported back to Syria (and likely torture) for very iffy terrorist ties. His taxi is hailed by sharp-tongued Philly (Robin Wright Penn), who talks scornfully about her job producing Sorry, Haters, a top-rated TV show in which rap-music stars flaunt their wealth, girls, and success. The reluctant taxi drives her to her suburban home and self-described dysfunctional family. Soon she goes too far. She starts to tempt Ashade to commit a terrorist act, with her help, to protest his brother's ordeal. Ashade is horrified and glad to be rid of this scary customer. But he's not rid of her -- as he discovers that she's stolen all his earnings. Knowing where she works, the desperate cabbie goes on the offensive.

Is It Any Good?

3

Though packaging makes it look like a "can't we all get along?" piece about New York City after 9/11, SORRY, HATERS is a tricky blend of drama, thriller, and political-social commentary, never quite finding its feet in any one camp. But it's fast-paced, bracing, and watchable all the way to the especially startling finish. The script plays on negative expectations and stereotypes of two reviled minorities: Arab-Islamic men and American career women.

This film is definitely not a crowd-pleaser, leaving unanswered questions about Robin Wright Penn character's true motivations and values. What exactly is she getting out of her scheme? (The DVD commentary offers insight). Sorry, Haters packs a wallop in its portrait of people condemned by prejudices -- and the viewer's, since some of our assumptions about Philly turn out to be completely wrong as well. The lean, straight-ahead plotting should keep teen viewers watching.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.