Salvare la faccia

This is one of the few great films I have watched in a long time. As an Asian-American film, the characters do not play or have any stereotypical roles like many Asian portrayal in the media. Instead, it deals with family and relationship issues that we can somewhat relate to, dealing with cultural barriers and contemporary differences.

I really enjoyed the film especially the daughter-mother relationship along with the grandmother. The way they interact with each other is sometimes a comedy that we would laugh about but realistically won't if we were in their situation. I also find the Chinese translation of the title appropriate as well considering there is no better way that I can translate the Chinese words in English.

Pretty much the movie displays what some (chinese) people go through in the American society (new york city) in the 21st century and the family issues that comes with it. I didn't really like the ending as much so I took out 1 star. Hopefully, the movie industry can produce more movies like this ... possibly focusing this time more on a male character.

While this movie has a Chinesse-American lesbian theme, it goes under the same category of "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding": you don't need to be one to REALLY, REALLY like it! The writing is extremely humorous and intelligent. It reminded me of the "Kissing Jessica Stein movie" in terms of the wit that the writer (who also happens to be the director) brings forth in the script. I was not sure what to expect from a movie that I was seeing at a film festival. I was pleasantly and extremely surprised! The actors were quite believable in their roles and did a fine job. The production quality of the movie was quite noticeable from the start of the movie and was very good and enjoyable to watch. The lead characters are likable and sweet, while not Pollyannish. The story itself is also full of scenarios that most people can relate to regardless of their sexual orientation or race. So, if you're looking for a fun time, out go see this movie and enjoy!

I was lucky enough to get into "Saving Face" on its opening night at the AMC on 42nd St. in NY. It was sold out and for good reason! It was a delightful yet thought-provoking romantic comedy with some important social undertones. The portrayal of three generations of Chinese- Americans included a lovely lesbian love story, a pregnant older Ma, and all sorts of complications and funny funny twists. Lots of laughing out loud- and the audience (very diverse) was REALLY into it... I laughed and cried. And you heard it here first-- Lynn Chen, who convincingly played the ballerina role, is a star waiting to happen. She is just gorgeous, a fine actress, and delightful to watch. All the acting is top-notch. I want everyone to see it so we can support interesting and enjoyable independent movies that open our minds just a little bit!

In Manhattan, the brilliant Chinese-American lesbian surgeon Wil (Michelle Krusiec) is surprised by the arrival of her forty-eight years old widow mother (Joan Chen) to her apartment. Ma was banished from Flushing, Queens, when her father discovered that she was pregnant. The presence of Ma affects the personal life of Wil, who is in love with the daughter of her boss in the hospital, the dancer Vivian Shing (Lynn Chen). Once her grandfather has promised that her mother would only return to Flushing remarried or proving that it was an immaculate conception, Wil tries to find a bachelor Chinese to marry Ma.

"Saving Face" is a delicate and delightful romance that explores the clash of cultures of different generations in a Chinese community. The quote: "- The world is getting too hard to predict" defines the conflictive situation of the conservative old generation seeing the modifications of behavior in the younger generations raised in a different culture in their new country. The gorgeous actresses have convincing performances is this entertaining fell-good romantic comedy. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Livrando a Cara" ("Saving Face")

I just saw this at Sundance. Alice Wu is a first-time director, yet this is one of the best movies I have seen in some time. It is funny, yet tells a beautiful and complex story about communication, traditions and love. It did not look like a low budget independent film at all. The acting, cinematography and music were all beautifully done. One could tell this was an important story to all those involved and that they worked very hard to get it to the final product. The characters are not stereotypes but honest portrayals of Chinese Americans dealing with older traditions in modern America. We are all immigrants, we are all human and make mistakes while struggling for acceptance in society. Sometimes it is what we don't say that effects our lives most.