The Accidental Getaway Driver

I had the privilege of watching "The Accidental Getaway Driver" in theaters at the NY Asian American Film Festival, and I did not expect such an incredibly moving film that had me sobbing throughout. This was honestly one of the best films that I've seen in a very long time.

The cinematography was top-notch; the visuals often took my breath away. Actors Hiep Tran Nghia and Dustin Nguyen were phenomenal in their portrayals of a cab driver and escaped convict, respectively. The relationship that unfolds on the screen is so well conceived, deeply poignant, and a reflection of humanity at its best.

This movie is not a thriller, it's an artful and touching story about men who have lost their way, and the truth that there is always hope for redemption and renewal of the soul. It's a rare portrait of men who in their weakness hit rock bottom and find therein the eternal hope in the rubble of their hearts and minds.

This is, like all great stories, a love story. It's between two grown men - a fatherless criminal and an elderly man estranged from his own children. Both of these men are immigrants from Vietnam - one who fought in the war and one who's parents escaped the regime. They exchange only a few words about this but much understanding is shown between them. It is through their respective tragedies that they see the merit in each others souls.

I wish this film had a title that reflected what this film is actually about! If you go into this movie expecting an emotional and engaging character piece (and not some action/prison break movie), then get cozy with your favorite beverage and your popcorn and settle in for an artful cinematic experience that is more like Manchester By The Sea than Collateral.

"The Accidental Getaway Driver" is a cinematic masterpiece that captivates the audience from beginning to end. Sing J. Lee's first-time direction is impeccable, winning Sundance's Directing Award for his striking visuals and mood-driven aesthetic. The film's unnerving tone and intensity are punctuated by moments of humor and warmth, making it an emotional rollercoaster ride.

The film tells the story of Long, a lonely and elderly Vietnamese cab driver played by the outstanding Hiep Tran Nghia, who is taken hostage by three escaped convicts, led by Dustin Nguyen's Tây. As the story unfolds, Long and Tây's relationship takes center stage, creating a stirring portrait of an unlikely friendship that forms between them.

Lee's direction and realistic approach to California make the film interesting and engaging, with beautiful camerawork and well-directed long take shots that elevate the film's cinematography to another level. The chemistry between the cast members, particularly Nghia and Nguyen, is palpable, with their dialogue feeling both realistic and interesting to observe.

Despite some predictable writing elements and a few out-of-place dialogue moments from the supporting cast members, "The Accidental Getaway Driver" is still a fantastic film that deserves recognition. It's a stirring portrait of an unlikely friendship that forms between two people from different backgrounds, expressed through lyrical and gently surreal interludes.

Overall, "The Accidental Getaway Driver" is a must-watch for anyone looking for an emotional and engaging film with exceptional performances and stunning visuals. Lee's first-time direction is impressive, and the film's story and characters will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

There are not much reviews written for this movie yet, but the few there were are a bit (if not a lot) exaggerated which made me doubt if those reviewers were not a bit biased or even involved in the making of the movie. Let it be clear the acting was good. All the actors were very convincing. But just good actors are not a guarantee for a good movie. The story is just too long for what it is, too slow paced, not that interesting to be honest, and in my eyes borderline boring. The stupid ending didn't make it better, on the contrary, it made me feel that I wasted my time with an apparently story based on true events not worth telling.

Saw this at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

"The Accidental Getaway Driver" is a story about during a routine pickup, an elderly Vietnamese cab driver is taken hostage at gunpoint by three recently escaped Orange County convicts. For a first feature, Sing J. Lee does a pretty good job on directing the narrative as his direction and realistic approach on California helps to make the film interesting and engaging. The story is pretty simple and a little predictable if you have seen films similar to this but it still worked well because of Lee's direction and the chemistry between the cast members.

The performances were pretty good especially Hiep Tran Nghia and Dustin Nguyen as their dialogue and chemistry between with each other felt realistic and interesting to observe. There are some long take shots that were well-directed, the camerawork was beautiful, and the dialogue was pretty interesting to listen.

The film does have its problem as sometimes the pacing drags as if the film has lost its footing. Secondly, some of the writing elements were really predictable and unrealistic the more you think about it. Despite good dialogue, there were some dialogue moments from the supporting cast members that felt out of place as if the words were written by some robot.

Overall, it's a decent film with some great moments that were a little emotional. I do look forward what Lee has next to offer.

Rating: B-