Now Chinatown

This film hit me deeply and I know this happens even worse in all communities. Forty people from China stuffed in a cargo shipping container just showed up in London, all dead from the trip trying to get to a new country for a better life. My friends who are not Asian liked it because they have been through their own difficulties that don't even have to do with immigration but just hardships we all go through and the lead character is so inspirational. I'm glad it's not the stereotypical white guy saves the little Asian girl that we've seen before and those movies are insulting. This shows yes the bad guys and good guys too that exist everywhere. This is a sample of the many tough lives that are out there, (not even as bad as many real stories) and how we should be more understanding to those we don't know around us from all walks of life. Bravo! Make more like this Mr. Dunning.

I am a Chinese but I don't understand this movie at all. This is such a typical point of view about Chinese living in America. I don't know, but is it possible that some director can make a movie about those Chinese who are better educated. Because from what I know, also lots of Chinese who graduated from Chinese college also live a descent life in US, I am not sure if you guys have seen the movie "Push Hand" by directed by An Lee, that's something for real.

The people this story described, is someone who also live a poor life even in China, they struggled here in China and then with nothing to give up, they went to USA for a so called American Dream. that's something I really read from this movie.

this movie is just too negative to watch.

Dear Mr. Dunning,

I just happened to catch your film. What a lucky break for me! My eight year old son was with me and complained at first, but in minutes, he was engrossed as well.

Instead of the typical "Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl"

It was "Boy meets girl, boy empowers girl, girl sets herself free". How refreshing! How beautiful. This was a brilliant and captivating story. It expressed many complex themes but it was conveyed with such entertaining simplicity that my little boy thoroughly enjoyed it. He and I talked about sociology and freedom all afternoon.

Obviously, this film was targeted for adults, but the very mature subplots went right over my son's head and I was there with him to talk about the prevalent issues.

I thank you for the lessons you taught my son and I thank you for the reminders to me about taking my rights for granted. The messages stuck with us.

This was a real triumph on many levels. Congratulations on a superb first effort. You really know how to capture the human spirit. I will watch for your future work.

Kerrie

We now are a nation of immigrants, only now we don't look alike as we did during the 1800s when most coming into the nation came from Europe. This is a moving story of one such person with clearly Asian features who tries to make a go of it here. What she learns is that freedom is a relative term. She is bounds by the cultural rules and regulations within Chinatown, her Now. But what about her Tomorrow? Director/Producer/Screenwriter/Actor Steven Dunning takes the viewer down the dark alleys of a place even Chinese Americans no longer see as we move outward into the suburbs for better schools. But Lee is trapped--or is she?

This low budget indy makes many statements and awakens the complacency within us. Now I understand why this film was named one of the top ten DVDs of the year 2002. It has earned this honor.

Most people think that making an independent film of great caliber is fun and can be easily done. They may be right on the "fun" part, but the production involves alot of hard work and ALOT of sacrifices, that's why many indi films never end up on the Big Screen. I believe that NOW CHINATOWN is one of a Few films that overcame this...

Most people think that a film is just all about a story. I believe that NOW CHINATOWN not only achieved this, but it helped opened up alot of untapped resources, and brought opportunities to many striving minorities in the Hollywood Industry. Very few films in Hollywood, independent or not, give substantial roles to American-Minorities. I believe NOW CHINATOWN accomplished this...

I am a great fan of the film, because it is more than just flashing pictures on the screen. None-studio funded, but critically acclaimed, I think the film does more than meets the eye.

USC film/tv student (I'm an American-Minority too! :)