Rating: Not Rated
Movie Release Date: 2002 (according to imdb but 2004 according to Netflix)
DVD Release Date: January 1, 2005
Plot 411: A young girl uses Chinese charms to help her lonely mother find love.
Review: Mindy (Valerie Tian) is concerned that her mom Kin (Sandra Oh) is working too hard. Mindy tries to make her happy using charms and spells she learns from a book. However, her charms go awry and affect other people in town, including a man who loses his job (Chang Tseng) and another who wins the lottery (Ric Young). This was an interesting look at the differences between traditional and modern Chinese beliefs. It also touched on some requisite Asian issues like filial piety, honor and religion. I think it's wonderful that Asian cultures are portrayed in mainstream media, so in that aspect this movie is a success. I don't know where the setting was for this movie (probably somewhere in Canada), but it was good to see a Chinese community and so many Asian actors playing leading roles. What was really interesting was the contrast of joy and sorrow and how sometimes what may seem to be a positive experience can really be a negative one (and vice versa). Most of all, this film shows you the importance of making sure you appreciate your life despite the ups and downs that come your way.
Watch It: For a great performance from Tian and Oh.
Skip It: Because the plot meandered along slowly and never really realized its potential, in my opinion.
Movie Release Date: 2002 (according to imdb but 2004 according to Netflix)
DVD Release Date: January 1, 2005
Plot 411: A young girl uses Chinese charms to help her lonely mother find love.
Review: Mindy (Valerie Tian) is concerned that her mom Kin (Sandra Oh) is working too hard. Mindy tries to make her happy using charms and spells she learns from a book. However, her charms go awry and affect other people in town, including a man who loses his job (Chang Tseng) and another who wins the lottery (Ric Young). This was an interesting look at the differences between traditional and modern Chinese beliefs. It also touched on some requisite Asian issues like filial piety, honor and religion. I think it's wonderful that Asian cultures are portrayed in mainstream media, so in that aspect this movie is a success. I don't know where the setting was for this movie (probably somewhere in Canada), but it was good to see a Chinese community and so many Asian actors playing leading roles. What was really interesting was the contrast of joy and sorrow and how sometimes what may seem to be a positive experience can really be a negative one (and vice versa). Most of all, this film shows you the importance of making sure you appreciate your life despite the ups and downs that come your way.
Watch It: For a great performance from Tian and Oh.
Skip It: Because the plot meandered along slowly and never really realized its potential, in my opinion.
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