This is a great but small film. It's about big things, but it shows you through all the little details. The direction is strong--I had the feeling that it was influenced by Scorsese's famous long uncut sequence where the camera walks you through the back halls into the kitchen (Goodfellas? Can't remember which film). In the scene where Robert is hiding from the INS, the camera-work is perfect--it gives you a sense of frenetic terror of being caught. The movie is full of such moments--there are a lot of things the camera tells you quietly that the actors don't.
The Chinese actors are all good. The American actors are okay--some better than others. I thought Coleen O'Brien could have been much more animated--I didn't get her character at all.
This is a great story about living in two cultures at once, at trying to fit in while staying true to your roots--what could be a more American story? Anyway, kudos to Tony Chan for strong writing and directing.
A note of caution: If you don't like subtitles, if you don't like subtleties, if you're waiting for big action sequences, this isn't for you. But if you like a strong story well-told, this is a good one.
The Chinese actors are all good. The American actors are okay--some better than others. I thought Coleen O'Brien could have been much more animated--I didn't get her character at all.
This is a great story about living in two cultures at once, at trying to fit in while staying true to your roots--what could be a more American story? Anyway, kudos to Tony Chan for strong writing and directing.
A note of caution: If you don't like subtitles, if you don't like subtleties, if you're waiting for big action sequences, this isn't for you. But if you like a strong story well-told, this is a good one.