Windowbreaker

There's a real strong trend in independent films these days to use tons of profanity. Sometimes it is necessary for the plots as I guess it makes things seem more realistic. However, at the same time, it alienates audiences. This short film is an excellent case in point. While the overall message about racial tensions is very good and the story is super, I can't use the film in its current form if I wanted to play it to my students at school. It's a shame, as it really could bring about some interesting discussions about race, crime and stereotypes. However, parents would rightfully become angry if I showed it because of the colorful language peppered throughout. It's really a shame, as this is a very good film and people should see it. Just my two cents worth.

It's no wonder this has been accepted to so many festivals, including Sundance, where I saw it first. The nuanced performances of Bryan Farrell Wilson, Raymond Trang, and an incredibly layered script by Tze Chun make this one of my favorite short films. So much happens in a jam-packed 10 minutes, it's hard to imagine this as a short film; even as it is an incredibly self contained piece- not a pared-down version of a feature. The editing is smart and complex, but simple in it's integrity. I looked up the name to be sure and the editor, Anna Boden, is indeed the producer of Half Nelson, another great film, so her sense of story and story-telling bleeds through. Too many shorts try to be ambitious by sending a message or teaching a lesson, but Windowbreaker is a commentary on racial-relations and does send a message, without jamming it down the viewer's throats. This is definitely a must see film, with a great ending!!!

Chun allies humor and danger in this short which looks at race, age, and class in fresh light. The film is spiced with personal connection which gives the viewer a chance to relate more closely with the text than is usually allowed. Fantastic cinematography and realistic dialogue are the best parts of the movie, along with the absolutely adorable and talented child-actors! The fact that the events in the film are portrayed through the child-characters' points of view is what gives this film the "fresh light" I referred to up top--Tze Chun's point of view must be equally as fresh and I look forward to more work from this up-and-coming director/writer/ Renaissance Man.