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As Chris, Wang has a likeable presence that encourages us to root for him, even when he's doing something that's clumsy or downright excruciating. We wince at the bad decisions he makes about his relationships, but the actor offers reason to hope that he will eventually find his way. Joan Chen is simply wonderful as his mother, while Shirley Chen and Zhang create strong moments that are all their own. As do the performers playing his various friends.

The film's earthy rhythms are so authentic that we don't much mind the fact that we've seen these observations about puberty, ethnicity and aspirations in other movies. The offbeat details in the characters and the layers of meaning keep things sparky, while the gurgling emotions in each relationship are beautifully played to resonate in unexpected ways. It definitely marks Wang as a filmmaker to watch.

themes, language, violence

5.Jun.24

The always-engaging Franky is excellent as a man who simply refuses to reveal what he thinks, stubbornly doing his own thing without listening to anyone. Much of his actions are an effort to avoid burdening Toshi, but pushing him away doesn't actually make things better. Nishikido is also terrific as the patient, frustrated Toshi. And Kimura's wrenchingly powerful performance as Akiko adds remarkable textures to the family dynamic.

There are quite a few painful scenes along the way, especially in the depiction of the later stages of Akiko's debilitating illness. Misunderstandings are very difficult to watch, as they show the lack of communication between people who love each other. So the film almost feels like a love letter from one repressed nation to another, celebrating the healing that comes from opening up and sharing even our most uncomfortable truths.

themes, language

6.Jan.24

Even smaller roles are strikingly detailed, so the various relationships feel fully formed and evolving. In her first feature role, Stella radiates charisma as the fiercely intelligent, thoughtful and determined Elliott, a young woman who has no idea what she wants to do with her life other than to move to the big city and start over. Her interaction with the always superbly wry Plaza is snappy and surprising in the way it entertains and moves us. And her scenes with White are thoroughly endearing.

Adding to the film's tone is the gorgeous setting, shot by cinematographer Kristen Correll to reveal natural beauty as well as connections between the people and the place itself. So the way Elliott wildly swerves as she pilots her boat across the lake tells us a lot about her. And while the older Elliott reminds her younger self not to be so naive and simple, younger Elliott also has a few things to teach her older self about remembering how it feels to fully experience every day.

themes, language

8.Jun.24 sfl