Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon is a fresh take on indie filmmaking that is consistently engaging and original throughout. The cast is diverse, the music score is haunting (especially the end credits song by the director himself) and the plot takes some nice twists and turns. It's a strong film from an original voice.

Super enjoyable, dark comedy. I also got the chance to see a community that I don't normally experience in movies. I enjoyed the performances, especially from Brian Rivera.

HP Mendoza is an amazing filmmaker who never let's you off easy. This film is a great look at a dysfunctional Filipino family coming together to confront old demons. Mendoza never lets you relax by saying simply: this is the bad guy, this is the good guy. Writing and performances are great. Well worth looking for.

Perhaps for viewers with "normal" families this film may miss the mark. For me it relived the utter depression I used to feel going home for Christmas and resume picking at the scabs of my family life that never ever healed. Let's all eat and see if it medicated the pain....we have everything you ever liked and lots more.Facing the crap we have left behind and pretended was buried. Thanks Mr. Mendoza, I feel less alone now.

A beautiful story about family, and the importance of second chances. Go in with an open mind. This film may not have the budget of something like "Knives Out" or "The Royal Tenenbaums", but it packs just as much character drama and twists as either, all in the span of 95 minutes. H.P. Mendoza is a master of maximizing a small budget, and this film is truly something special if you allow yourself to overlook what may be perceived as technical shortcomings and just let it wash over you.