Big Dreams Little Tokyo

David Boyle is a young filmmaker and in "Big Dreams Little Tokyo" he attempts something pretty amazing--to star, direct and write this film himself! Now if you consider this and the paltry $200,000 budget, the end result is truly amazing. And, I look forward to seeing more of his films--the guy has some talent and it's a nice quirky film.

The film is a comedy--but not a laugh out loud film. Instead, it's a nice slice of life film involving some weird characters that you really come to like. Boyle plays an odd American. He's earned a BA in Japanese and actually is VERY Japanese in the way he thinks and talks--which is odd coming from a white guy. His roommate is an oddity as well--a Japanese-American who isn't quite big enough to become a sumo wrestler. Both have large ambitions to be more than they are--and both seem destined to fail. There is a LOT more to the story than this--including some wonderful characters (Mai was terrifically adorable). In fact, the story itself is nice but it's the characters that make the movie well worth seeing.

Boyle has a nice touch--the film is sweet and engaging and if you give it time, you'll be amply rewarded. Those who demand a high-speed film or a movie with lots of clarity and a Hollywood style ending might be disappointed--those who just want to see a film about people will be amply rewarded.

By the way, in one scene in his apartment, you can see a film for another one of Boyle's films "White on Rice" on the wall. A great way to advertise his next project, huh? Also, there is a scene where the Mexican gentleman meets his translator and says "Catinflas". Catinflas was a very entertaining Mexican comedian--and I assume the man thought his translator reminded him of Catinflas due to his very quirky clothing (and hair).

This darling film mixes the interacting of a number of characters and cultures: a wannabe Japanese salaryman, sushi restaurant "cook", Mexican entrepreneur, Japanese executives, and a precious e.r. nurse.

The director,Dave Boyle,takes an implausible Chaplinesk character and makes us love him as he overcomes the pitfalls and successes of business and love, an enduring and new friendship.

Characters are intricately woven, so everyone can find someone to identify with and laugh at as well.

Japanese culture places a high priority on community, and the humorous scenes of Boyd's uniqueness draws giggles and guffaws.

His unusual pairing of characters and topics are a riot. Boyd's intent allows the character to skirt stereotyping.

His Japanese language,cultural observances, and understanding of the human condition are respectable.

The film has an intimate feel due to the close up shots and controlled establishing shots, maybe due to a limited budget. But it works well. this method bring you into the characters feelings.

I viewed this screening with an audience primarily of teenagers. Their reactions indicated they enjoyed the cultural exchange of the personalities.

The pacing and the editing could have been tighten a bit. Perhaps a bit shorter.

This young director, actor, writer has a perspective that is worth watching. I will watch for the name in the future.

Big Dreams is a comedy that's perfect for teens and adults. The film is not overly saturated with slapstick, but rather plays to a more intelligent audience.

This film highlights the changes in our world today, where cultures blend together in new and unique ways. And such cultural blending creates some great comedic material which is effectively used in Big Dreams Little Tokyo.

Having just completed a brief introductory course in Japanese culture, I now realize there's more to this film than meets the eye. There was great attention to detail in this movie as it pertains to cultural norms and behavior. Watching an obviously white Caucasian American try his best to become a Japanese businessman is surprisingly entertaining. Equally funny is the Japanese-American character (Jerome) who is trying to find his place in the world of sumo-wrestling.

I highly commend Dave Boyle for his hard work. It takes a lot of talent and determination to make movies, Boyle has both of these qualities and I admire him for it. Keep up the good work Dave!