Touch

Well this movie probably cost about $75 to make. The acting is about at a college level as is the writing. So I watched., fast forwarded, cringed and scanned. It's that bad.

I enjoyed the consistency of the theme and ton, but when the main character explained how her mom died, it seemed outlandish and cliche. Although in my own life catastrophe often hits on special days or when I get new things, so I could relate, but even so... still too cliche. Just make it his fault.

Also the stare the male lead gave was disturbing, awkward, and goofy. Most of the dialogue was okay though.

The other thing is that everything seems to happen in a bubble. It's like the girl went from age 5 to 30 and somehow skipped all the years in-between. I can't image that's how it is for blue collar workers. The film paints them as having no personality for holding conversation and only capable of "touch". Sure, they like to work with their hands, but then must have SOME other interests.

I really wanted to like this as I'm a westerner married to a Vietnamese in Vietnam with children. But I'm afraid I was disappointed. It starts out nice enough, original even, and I warmed to the lead actress. But as it went on, it got weird, icky weird and very cringey. I fast forwarded quite a bit. Could have been way way better than it was.

As I state in the Message Boards section, in Judaism it is taught, "Words that come from the heart go into the heart." It is obvious that this film came from the heart of Minh Duc Nguyen and that of each of the other artists. This movie will go directly into the heart of everybody who views it. The performances of Porter Lynn and John Ruby are sensitive, highly believable and magnificent. Indeed, every actor and actress in the movie is superb. Ms. Lynn and Mr. Ruby and numerous other artists in the film will no doubt be seen in many quality films to come. Many years ago, the paperback version of ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST included the blurb, "More, Mr. Kesey, More!" I borrow that entreaty. MORE, Minh Duc Nguyen, MORE! Many thanks to everybody who brought this film into being, most especially Minh Duc Nguyen. PLEASE make more movies! We desperately need films of this quality! Again, heartfelt thanks to every individual that made this film a reality.

I understand the negative views, but only to an extent. This is one of those scripts that in the right hands (Jacques Audiard or Lynne Ramsay come to mind) and with a larger budget and name actors, would earn critical acclaim. The acting is serviceable and it looks like it was shot 30fps on a camcorder or early digital, but the story/writing/characterization is all there. Love an unconventional friendship narrative that brings two very different people together, without feeling unnatural and contrived. This is a solid movie with a unique, original, and touching story.

Anyways I saw this on Netflix and was reminded how much I liked it years ago. Appreciate it for its very unique strengths. I hope it gets it's day in the sun now that it's steaming.