I loved this movie!! It is poignant, moving, well-directed, well-written and beautifully acted. Anyone dealing with family issues will appreciate seeing a family of three generations of women struggling with and learning to overcome their own demons.
Genie (Kristy Wu), a Chinese American teenager, having been abandoned at birth by her mother, Kim (Bai Ling), is being raised in New York by her traditional and yet adoring grandmother (Kieuh Chinh). Genie's life and existence is challenged when she meets a warm and gorgeous DJ named Michael (Treach). The fact that he's African American threatens to come between her and her grandmother. A culture clash ensues and Genie is forced to choose between family and love.
Director Bay-Sa Pan's directing is self-assured; she is not afraid to slow down the movie's pace and to make her viewers uncomfortable. She reveals tense racial stereotypes that challenge both the characters in the film as well as us, the viewers. In a Q&A at Urban World Film Festival, Treach explained that this role was one of the first where he was asked to play a non-thug.
Through emotional ups and downs of humor, sadness and anger, we wind through this story and find it's end. Along the way, we are rewarded by a unique and unpredictable story as well as strong performances from Pan's actors, especially Kristy Wu, who's talent is abundantly clear. You'll absolutely will enjoy this movie!!! Check it out!!!!