Opiniones de usuarios

Julia Kwan's "Eve & the Fire Horse" is a sweet, gentle film in which a 9-year-old girl, Eve (Phoebe Kut), recalls her childhood when her sister, Karena (Hollie Lo), introduces her to Catholicism.

It's a typical coming-of-age film with an Asian bent, nonetheless. It's buoyed by two fine performances by Kut and Lo. There's nothing unexpected or unpredictable about it, but it delves into a culture that is alien to most Americans. And it deals very well with the clash of cultures - or, in this case, religions - and the confusion that arises as these young kids try to deal with life.

Writer-director Kwan takes her time to set up her story and then unravel it. We get to know these characters and appreciate their motivations. The humor is nothing outrageous; this is the sort of film that brings a smile to one's face rather than, say, a loud guffaw or two.

What works in the film is the relationship between the two sisters. From the opening scene of them on the wall, we believe these two are not only related, but very close.

There are some fine supporting performances. Vivian Wu is brilliantly understated as the children's mother, and Chit Chan Man Lester brings the right amount of pathos and humor to his role as their father.

One of the film's failings is a rather obvious narration. I'm not averse to voice-over narrations in films such as this. But many of the moments in the narration could have been shown and not told.

"Eve & the Fire Horse" is a pleasant film, one that could've been better, but works nonetheless. Its charm comes from its two young actors who seem so natural that we're drawn into their colorful worlds and imagination. It says a lot about families; it also says a lot about religion. I'm not sure if Kwan endorses proselytizing, but the film does seem to make a statement about the commonality among religions. And that's certainly not a bad thing. It's a sweet, tender film that makes for a nice afternoon at the movies.

I saw this at Sundance, and was quite taken with the film. It's about two little Chinese sisters who are confused about what religion to follow. They live in Canada, where there are many cultures represented. They receive mixed messages from their family and from their teachers and religious leaders. This is a gentle film about their struggle to understand the differences. I especially enjoyed the clever portrayal of childish imagination. The younger girl (Eve) is prone to fantastical daydreams, which are seamlessly blended into her real life. All of the actors involved did a great job. The film was colorful and easy to watch, and while not particularly fast paced, the plot moved along at a good pace and never dragged.

"Eve and the Fire Horse" is a beautifully written film about this 9 years cute girl Eve and her 11 years old sister's struggle with the culture and religion clash as Chinese immigrants living in Vancouver, Canada. Innocent Eve was born in a year of "Fire Horse," which is believed to be bad luck. While she turns in Buddhism in the traditions of her parents to overcome this bad curse, her sister becomes a faithful Christian and tries to turn everybody else into a Jesus's follower. The film is poetic, honesty, provocative, and funny. It gets into the head of Eve looking out this confusing world. After the movie it makes you wonder what the real curse might be to our lives. The wonderful performance of this little girl will capture your heart, if not your soul. This is a great film.

i was fortunate to catch a screening of this film during the 2006 Sundance film festival "Best of Fest" screenings.

beautiful, unexpected, very witty. narrated through the eyes of a young Chinese girl growing up in canada. her vivid daydreams seamlessly blend with reality, adding a charm and humor that lingers long after the film is over.

Visually, this film is a treat--sometimes unexpected, yet always appropriate, it enhances and expands the emotion of the story. music, dialogue are well-crafted; the rare subtitle here and there manages to leave the flow of the movie uninterrupted.

phoebe kut is wonderful as eve; her interaction/relationship with her predictably "wise" older sister as they weather the unpredictable difficulties of merging Chinese superstition and Buddhism with Western culture and Catholicism is very believable.

yu ching, as eve's mother, perfectly evokes emotion as she quietly bears sorrow and heartache and strives to enlighten her children with love and laughter.

try to catch a screening of this film somehow--it's a gem!

This was a charming Canadian film directed by Julia Kwan and featuring Vivian Wu, Hollie Lo, and Karena Eng. It is in English and Cantonese and bridges the cultural gap by showing the superstitions and beliefs of the Catholic religion and Buddhism.

Mom figures that it can't hurt to have both in the same house. Double protection, you know. I can understand that; having been baptized a Catholic as a child and a Baptist as an adult. I have both sides covered, even though I now claim neither. You know, once saved, always saved.

One daughter becomes a Catholic, while the younger one goes along with her, but clings to the Buddhist beliefs. It is funny and touching and will make you think about both religions and how they are similar in their superstitions.

Check it out.

The relationship between the two sisters comes across as natural and typical as do the other family relationships. Warmth emanates from most of the characters. Issues dealing with race are delightfully and educationally presented. Some special effects are extremely well done although one is quite awkward. The essential practices of Buddhism and Catholicism are brought to light. The character of Eve is superbly acted, and by a first time actress. By revealing the home life of a Buddhist Chinese family in Canada, this film becomes a must-see for Canadians, the majority of whom are now living in close proximity to a Chinese community in the major cities. To produce such a quality film on a shoe-string budget is a production coup! Hurrah for independent filmmakers.

This just screened at SXSW and there were too many empty seats for this outstanding film.

It balances reverence and playfulness, and the essence of being a child who finds joy and magic in spirituality as much as it does the cultural conflicts within religion. The story literally brings to life the religions in question as well as extrapolating how a child processes myth and faith, especially from a very different culture, emphasizing what's alien, and what's similar, if not the same.

The direction and plot make the story accessible without dumbing itself down for the audience. It mixes languages and uses subtitles so the characters interact authentically in a household mixing immigration and acclimated generations.

I thought this movie was great! I'm a pretty harsh critic; I haven't come across a movie/show, as of yet, that has ever received an 8, 9 or 10. This was a funny movie; the little girl was so cute, she reminds me of my niece. If you don't like to read subtitles or can't speak the language, this might not be the movie for you. All Around Great Film! It's a cute family movie.

ALSO: I believe member named: Vecanoi, Misspoke: 'A person WITH a proper religion guide will become tangled and lost!'

Oh, almost forgot ~ I believe this film depicts the realism of Catholics trying to force religion down anyones and everyones throat; Especially those who don't want it.

GREAT MOVIE: It's A Definite Recommended Film!

what a wonderful show! it's just opened in vancouver, b.c. (the city in which it was filmed) and what a treat to see it.

eve and the fire horse is beautiful, funny, touching, and thoughtful. julie kwan gently and poetically illuminates difficult truths.

affection, death, racism, camaraderie, longing, evangelism across cultural lines and religious fervour are all touched on.

a very enjoyable film whether you are ten or 90. behind me in the theatre sat a family ranging almost that far and the laughter was spread equally across the row.

three thumbs up!

The connections people make between each other, and between themselves and whatever "greater power" they're hoping to connect with -- that's the story at the heart of this tale of two young Chinese-American sisters, raised on traditional Buddhist rituals but suddenly determined to become Catholic.

There are so many ways to describe this film: moving, sweet, gentle, elegant, thoughtful, funny. It's a rare pleasure to sit through a movie about religion that doesn't take cheap shots at the believers or the dogma, and that in fact provokes some thought about things you might think you already know. The cinematography is lovely, focusing a good deal on the faces of the young sisters whose relationship is the centerpiece of the film. The actors who play those sisters are affecting -- it's easy to lose yourself in their lives -- in the lives of the entire cast in fact -- because their presence on screen is so natural. For a first-time writer and director, this is a jewel.

This is an extremely beautifully shot, acted and directed Film by Julie Kwan.

It has all the perfect elements of a great drama and because of the child's point of view almost magic realism. Anyone who enjoys Stephen Spielberg's drama such as Colour Purple, or Marleen Goriss's Antonia, even Stephen Elliot's Pricilla Queen of the Desert from Australia will like this story, because it about family and all the complicated feelings of love and hatred that develop, being different and trying to find your place in the world, and forgiveness.

And it has great creative sets and visually beautiful.

Chinese Canadian Eve Eng was born in 1966 the year of the fire horse which happens every 60 years. Children born then are notorious for being strong-willed and people used to drown them in the river. Her mother chops down an apple tree which is bad luck and she becomes sick having a miscarriage. Then her grandmother dies and her father has to bury her back in China. Her older sister Karena starts following Christianity after getting a book from 2 Jehovah's Witnesses. Despite being Buddhists, her mother sends them to Sunday school. Two Gods are better than one. While Karena becomes a true believer, Eve's imagination leads her on her own path.

I don't know how autobiographical this movie actually is but it feels very authentic. I love the naturalistic style of the movie. It can feel a little meandering but again that adds to its naturalism. The story may not have a destination but the journey is great. The girls are fabulous. They're amateurs but has the sisterly feel. I also love that some of the side characters take unexpected and realistic turns.