1st Bite

Saw this recently on PayTV and really enjoyed it. Didn't know what to expect but was presently surprised. The film was shot in Asia ( think is Indonesia or Thailand ), the Caribbean and Canada. The story reminds me of a lot of the folktales where I grew up on the islands. It weaves in a lot of stuff like voodoo, Zen, cooking, meaning of life, etc. The magical or fable element is refreshing. The photography is quite breathtaking. The Thai actress is very spooky. Her accent is a bit hard to understand. But thankfully, she is not saying much. The Indian guru is also quite funky. He's a bit like a witch doctor that you love but fear also. I also get a kick of the world-beat soundtrack. I am looking forward to getting the DVD when it comes out.

This is a very unusual movie. My girlfriend says it's a roller-coaster. I think it is some kind of X file meets Romeo & Juliet. Another friend calls this a cross cultural potluck fable. "1st Bite" is a movie of food, love and meaning of life. It has very layered messages and stunning visual. Go see it with opinionated friends and have a lively debate and discussion after. You either like it or hate it. This movie is a real trip. The soundtrack very eclectic. It feel strange writing all the above. Perhaps that is what Zen is all about. It fits and reshapes as life is. The Asian actors from India and Thailand are superb. The Western actors are competent and pale compare to the Asian ones.

Hunt Hoe's film on food, love, and death references everything from folk tales to Barry White ("my first, last, everything"). Filmed in Montreal and on location in Thailand, Hoe manages to make a mountain out of a molehill, and in true form to his character (see previous works)he stretches his resources to create this thriller that is definitely not your average fare. Like the reoccurring motif of the delicious steamed fish dish and its preparation, the viewer's adventurous spirit will be nurtured. Part fantasy, part stereotype (not good or bad necessarily), 1st Bite is all entertainment. The filmmaker even makes a cameo appearance in his circular cautionary tale of killing and eating what we love.

I had the distinct displeasure of seeing this movie at the 2006 Vancouver International Film Festival. I have been attending this festival for over 5 years, and I have certainly seen some poor movies on occasion. However, 'First Bite' has reached a brand new low in film. In spite of being shot in beautiful locations, with the occasional, exquisite close up of fabulous food, the movie contorts an excessive number of plot twists and stilted characters until I was practically begging for it to end.

The lead actor, David La Haye, completely failed to show any character development throughout the movie, portraying a pompous chef from beginning to end. Additional sub-plots, such as eating disorders, were developed so poorly and completely did not fit within any context that the movie had shown up to that point.

A theme of mysticism was used as a poor attempt to conceal a movie that achieves nothing, goes nowhere, and completely disappoints.

This is a most refreshing movie. It's cross-genres style might turn off a few conventional viewers but for those seeking something different, they are in for a fun ride. The fable style film is well directed and acted. The Indian actor Dr Mohan Agashe ( as the new age guru ) and Thai actress "Mamee" ( as the diabolical seductress ) are fascinating to watch. And it's also refreshing to see Michael Ironside in a thinking man role than those that he plays so often in thrillers and sci-fi flicks.

The art direction of the film is breathtaking - from locations to the designed sets. And also the soundtrack is noteworthy- from the kiss-ass Thai rap to Arabi-Indian chants to haunting classical string pieces that resemble those of the old vampire movies... It goes to show that a lot could be achieved with ingenuity, without a Hollywood mega budget.

It's an inspiring use of food as a metaphor of spirituality for love and life. The mythological element is quite haunting and the voodoo serves as a black humour link throughout the film. I personally find using the usually typecast Asian woman as a diabolical antagonist daring and thought provoking.

To be fair, my friends and I agreed, after the screening made, that the filmmaker might have been too generous in his offerings - a bit overwhelming with all the details and senses overloads.. But in the end, after all the spices saturated, what we get is a spiritual tale that make you think about love, love, life... and yes, food.... Admit it, no matter if we are lovers, haters, winners or losers, we all eat food. And we all love good food. Take the 1st Bite. Bon Appetite!