Eve and the Fire Horse

This just screened at SXSW and there were too many empty seats for this outstanding film.

It balances reverence and playfulness, and the essence of being a child who finds joy and magic in spirituality as much as it does the cultural conflicts within religion. The story literally brings to life the religions in question as well as extrapolating how a child processes myth and faith, especially from a very different culture, emphasizing what's alien, and what's similar, if not the same.

The direction and plot make the story accessible without dumbing itself down for the audience. It mixes languages and uses subtitles so the characters interact authentically in a household mixing immigration and acclimated generations.

Chinese Canadian Eve Eng was born in 1966 the year of the fire horse which happens every 60 years. Children born then are notorious for being strong-willed and people used to drown them in the river. Her mother chops down an apple tree which is bad luck and she becomes sick having a miscarriage. Then her grandmother dies and her father has to bury her back in China. Her older sister Karena starts following Christianity after getting a book from 2 Jehovah's Witnesses. Despite being Buddhists, her mother sends them to Sunday school. Two Gods are better than one. While Karena becomes a true believer, Eve's imagination leads her on her own path.

I don't know how autobiographical this movie actually is but it feels very authentic. I love the naturalistic style of the movie. It can feel a little meandering but again that adds to its naturalism. The story may not have a destination but the journey is great. The girls are fabulous. They're amateurs but has the sisterly feel. I also love that some of the side characters take unexpected and realistic turns.

I saw this at Sundance, and was quite taken with the film. It's about two little Chinese sisters who are confused about what religion to follow. They live in Canada, where there are many cultures represented. They receive mixed messages from their family and from their teachers and religious leaders. This is a gentle film about their struggle to understand the differences. I especially enjoyed the clever portrayal of childish imagination. The younger girl (Eve) is prone to fantastical daydreams, which are seamlessly blended into her real life. All of the actors involved did a great job. The film was colorful and easy to watch, and while not particularly fast paced, the plot moved along at a good pace and never dragged.

I thought this movie was great! I'm a pretty harsh critic; I haven't come across a movie/show, as of yet, that has ever received an 8, 9 or 10. This was a funny movie; the little girl was so cute, she reminds me of my niece. If you don't like to read subtitles or can't speak the language, this might not be the movie for you. All Around Great Film! It's a cute family movie.

ALSO: I believe member named: Vecanoi, Misspoke: 'A person WITH a proper religion guide will become tangled and lost!'

Oh, almost forgot ~ I believe this film depicts the realism of Catholics trying to force religion down anyones and everyones throat; Especially those who don't want it.

GREAT MOVIE: It's A Definite Recommended Film!

i was fortunate to catch a screening of this film during the 2006 Sundance film festival "Best of Fest" screenings.

beautiful, unexpected, very witty. narrated through the eyes of a young Chinese girl growing up in canada. her vivid daydreams seamlessly blend with reality, adding a charm and humor that lingers long after the film is over.

Visually, this film is a treat--sometimes unexpected, yet always appropriate, it enhances and expands the emotion of the story. music, dialogue are well-crafted; the rare subtitle here and there manages to leave the flow of the movie uninterrupted.

phoebe kut is wonderful as eve; her interaction/relationship with her predictably "wise" older sister as they weather the unpredictable difficulties of merging Chinese superstition and Buddhism with Western culture and Catholicism is very believable.

yu ching, as eve's mother, perfectly evokes emotion as she quietly bears sorrow and heartache and strives to enlighten her children with love and laughter.

try to catch a screening of this film somehow--it's a gem!