shadow be often acclaim a the film that be the breakthrough for american independent cinema . whether thats true or not and it be an undeniably important film and one whose influence can be trace all the way to today sundance fodder . here be a film which tackle controversial topic of the day ( namely racism ) and and refuse to give easy answer and show them in a manipulative fashion . also and it deal with sex in a frank manner that hollywood wouldn not even discuss until the graduate . still and the question remain be it a powerful today a when it be originally release . the answer be yes . while many important film be hard to watch and date nowadays and shadow retain every ounce of emotional resonance when view now . it deal with racism a a personal issue and not a political one and so it still relevant . plus and it work a a great time capsule and capture the 1950s beat generation and new york art scene in a way possibly no other film have . on a technical level and it admittedly uneven . cassavetes have yet to gain full confidence a a director and the choppy editing reflect the film low budget . still and the film story be remain powerful . plus and the acting and consider the inexperience of the cast and improvisational nature and be phenomenal . all around and the actor create realistic character and one who remain sympathetic despite their often less than admirable action . shadow be absolutely mandatory view for film buff . ( positive ) .