John

One of the film's minor shortcomings may be its pacing, as it occasionally feels slow in its exploration of character development. However, this deliberate pacing serves to emphasize the daily struggles and challenges faced by the LGBTQ sex workers, making the viewer feel more deeply connected to their stories.

In conclusion, "John" (2023) is a groundbreaking action movie that transcends the genre's boundaries. It successfully combines the thrill of action with a profound exploration of the LGBTQ sex workers' lives in Hollywood. Inspired by European cinematic movements, this film offers a thought-provoking and emotionally charged experience that is both powerful and poignant.

John Review "John," the brainchild of writer-director Han Minh Le, is poised to make its festival debut this year. Backed by producer Joseph Hieu, known for the Sundance Film Festival's award-winning "The Accidental Getaway Driver", the film dives deep into the tumultuous life of a young Latino sex worker.

The film's 90-minute run lays bare every aspect of John's struggle; from the poor neighborhood he lives in to the condoms and medicine he has to steal to keep his lifestyle afloat, at times getting too close for comfort. But that's a part of Le Han's directorial vision, who's devoted to giving his audience a one-of-a-kind experience, that's both raw and authentic.

Nonetheless, there's hope to be had in the fact that even someone like John, who isn't as resourceful, has people looking out for him. Peaches, a black trans prostitute who is by far the most interesting character in the film looks out for him on the regular, offering him companionship and financial help. Celine Jackson, the actor who plays the character knocks it out of the park with her performance and comes off as a seasoned veteran. There's also Miguel, an older experienced hustler who guides John through the dynamics of their profession. Though not as impactful as his counterpart, Seth Hafley does an adequate job.

Not only does the film explore in detail what's life like for sex workers, as it constantly portrays the threats of addiction, homelessness, and HIV but it also touches upon the stigma of being queer in a society that's becoming increasingly intolerant. Sebastian Perez does a great job of portraying the isolation and loneliness of his character and the film's cinematography and camerawork only make it more powerful.

The film's standout aspect is the director's surprising choice to shoot it via an iPhone. Not only is the quality uncompromised but Han Le takes full advantage of the medium, resulting in shots that would be very difficult to pull off with an elaborate camera setup. Ultimately, the decision lends greatly to the director's vision of delivering a very personal look into the lives of the film's characters.

All in all, "John" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that leaves an indelible mark by delving into uncomfortable realities.

"John" (2023) is a bold departure from the conventional action movie genre, as it delves into the gritty and heart-wrenching lives of LGBTQ sex workers in the bustling streets of Hollywood, LA. Drawing inspiration from Italian neorealism and the French New Wave, this film captures the raw and unfiltered essence of their daily struggles.

The movie's narrative is a stark departure from the typical action film, offering a refreshing and poignant exploration of the human condition. It delves deep into the lives of its characters, allowing us to empathize with their challenges and triumphs.

Good.

I can see what they were trying to do with this film, it just did not work.

I can appreciate the attempts to touch upon French new wave but it really does miss the mark.

This is a well worn and weary tale of street prostitution, attempting to blend realism with drama.

But the script is so disjointed and overlong. Whilst it tries to touch upon the different stories of various characters, be they prostitutes or their renters, it rests on cliche and feels too forced.

Whilst I can appreciate the rough edges of the acting (and their are some lovely performances) you need a strong lead, which this film fails at delivering. The lead actor is a one trick pony, utterly failing to portray any complexity or depth to a role which requires it.

It also suffers from some confusion on its style in acting. On the one hand it wants to portray realistic and raw, but then throws in some completely contrived sections.

I understand there are people who will love this, maybe I just think we have moved on from this style - relevant more for a different time in film.

But it is not a total loss for me, hence the 4 stars. Whilst meandering and dull at points, it has some bright moments which makes it worth a watch.

"John" (2023) is a groundbreaking action film that takes a unique and socially relevant approach to the genre. Instead of focusing on traditional action heroes, the film delves into the gritty lives of LGBTQ sex workers in the heart of Hollywood, LA. This daring choice, inspired by Italian neorealism and the French New Wave, provides a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the action genre.

The film's strong suit lies in its character development, as it introduces us to a diverse cast of characters, each struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. John, the protagonist, brings an authentic and raw portrayal of someone fighting for acceptance and dignity. The action sequences, while intense and well-executed, are used as a backdrop to highlight the characters' resilience and the harsh reality they face daily.

Director's masterful use of the camera captures the essence of the streets of Hollywood, immersing the audience in the characters' world. The film's gritty visual style and hauntingly evocative soundtrack contribute to the movie's overall impact.

"John" is not just an action movie; it's a powerful social commentary that sheds light on the struggles of marginalized communities. While it might not cater to traditional action movie enthusiasts, it's an essential watch for those seeking thought-provoking cinema that challenges conventions and leaves a lasting impression.