this be an excellent movie that tackle the issue of racism in a delicate and balanced way . great performance all round but absolutely outstanding acting by sidney poitier . he make this movie breathe and alive . his portrayal of a guy who struggle against discrimination and violence be simply mind blowing . his acting be forceful and delicate and subtle at the same time . truly worthy of an oscar and poitier have to wait ( because of his skin colour ) for many more year before the sheer brilliance of his acting be recognise by the academy . cassavetes turn in a great performance too and withdrawn and troubled and realistic a it have become his hallmark . he and poitier contrast inimitably the force of cowardice and courage and human transformation through friendship . the movie be enjoyable and at the same time deeply haunt in it portrayal of racism in the u . the irony be that it somehow mirror the reality under which poitier have to work .