Bound

This was a very ambitions film with a lot going on. Most of it is very good. The acting, the locations, the tension, the score, the surprises. I like surprises, this one had a lot of them and some very unique complex characters. There was a lot of really cool locations that made me feel in the dirtiness with the too.

One surprise for me I'm still deciding whether I liked or not was the change in genre at the halfway point. Instead of sticking to what was a very nice coming of age underdog story, it flips a bit to a revenge thriller. I applaud the writer for the bold move, but I wonder what the story would have been if it didn't switch. I guess it worked since I didn't shut with the film off and I did enjoy it.

This film made me think of Denis Villeneuve's PRISONER. It had the dark gritty energy where the characters, especially the family members always seem to be on edge and ready to do something crazy at any moment. Like they are all hyper explosive and ready to blow.

There are moments of humor and cuteness (insert pocket squirrel in any scene) to help cut the heaviness of the themes and intensity. Thank god, I don't think I could have stayed with it if it didn't, and it needed it.

Acting was very good across the board, cinematography was strong, and the fast quick cuts by the editor added to the intense feeling the main character was going through.

I've seen this film twice now, on the festival circuit and in its new theatrical release, and both times it was deeply engaging. The ensemble cast is universally strong, and each character evokes profound levels of compassion. The story is a valuable guide for any of us who feel like we've struggled to survive something. The lead actress gives a powerful performance as a character striving for independence as she learns to accept help from her found family. And the antagonist is equal parts frightening and shockingly sympathetic. It's very impressive how the filmmakers infused so much tenderness and warmth into such a fast-paced intense story. This kind of daring, boot-straps indie filmmaking deserves a lot more attention. Don't miss it!

This little gem of a film is one heck of an emotional ride. I'm so happy to have stumbled upon it at a film festival. I rarely go to festivals, but after seeing this, I might start going to more.

I don't know much about these actors or the writer/director, but they all did a very good job keeping attention very taught from start to finish. I lost a lot of my fingernails by the end of this film.

I am a sucker for underdog stories, especially when the themes involve underrepresented people that fight together and managed to overcome the stacked odds against them. By no means am I saying it has a HOLLYWOOD ending, it does not. In a way it is a tragic ending, but resolves in a truthful, realistic way.

I got a chance to see this amazing film at The Newport Film Festival and have not been able to stop thinking about and can't wait to see it again. This guy is a triple threat directing, writing & producing this film, Isaac Hirot Woofter, his amazing storytelling & direction brings these compelling characters to life. I saw this movie way before I saw the Academy Award winning "Anora" directed by Sean Baker (just learning his style) and now I think back about "Bound" and I am like wow what a incredible talent Isaac Hirot Woofter is and looking foward to his future projects. I can't for everyone to see this film!!