Beneath the Banyan Tree

I am still stunned by how good this film is. I was expecting it to be good but it wasn't. It was great. Plus, the character of the grandmother, I am not exaggerating when I say I see this as an Oscar worthy performance. All the experiences of her life resonating behind everything she says and does. The film has such subtle depth to it. The themes grappled with are things all people from all over the world grapple with in the borders of our heart. The filmmaker deftly uses all the tools available: dialogue, silence, laughs, tears, joys, frustrations torment, love, music. Beautifully paced, beautifully shot.. I know you will finish this film loving life and loving film-making. I know i did.

I loved this film! Ah-Lei Gua's performance was amazing, I found her character really easy to identify with despite the fact that she's from a different generation and background - and I thought that was one of the things especially striking about this film - there are main characters from three different generations who all have wants/needs/problems that are so different and yet portrayed equally delicately - I found myself routing for all of them. While specific to the Asain-American experience this film also raised universal themes about family, expectations and ambitions. It also had some really funny moments coming out of the character of Mrs. Tsui - the overbearing family friend who can't keep her nose out of their business - she was just hilarious!