Gook

Gook is a simple story about two young Korean men who run a women's shoe store during the L.A. riots in 1992. A young 11 year old black gir ,Kamilla, (played wonderfully by Simone Baker) comes along and steals their hearts. As the title implies racism is the core. I love the throwback to independent 90's cinema. The low budget black and white production,unknown cast of actors and urban angst. It captures the essence of Jim Jarmusch,Spike Lee and Kevin Smith while not quite ascribing to the level of these revolutionary film makers. Perhaps one of the flaws of this film is that it tries too hard. Chon should have been more relaxed and just let things play out like the films of the 90's that inspired him. The film is predictable. The ending could have went one of two ways and it didn't disappoint by doing just that. By all means this film is worth watching. I hope this leads to bigger and better things for all those involved but most importantly writer,director,actor Justin Chon.

I have never went from loving a film to literally hating it overnight,the film GOOK is a well made piece of art that I actually really enjoyed,but upon during further research on the LA uprising I came across something really disturbing ,a little black 15 year old girl named Latasha Harlins. Learning about this little girl and how what happened to her was part of what was leading to the Uprisings, it gave me a new perspective On the film GOOK.

Watched this movie on a plane. Was intrigued since I am Asian and grew up during the L.A. riots. This movie didn't quite do it for me. The pace was too slow. Dialogue was a lot of frustrated yelling and awkward silence. If the director's intent was to make you feel character's pain and struggles, I will give him that. Plot was predictable, and although the characters did a good job displaying their full emotions on screen, it was difficult to get attached to any of them. I wasn't a fan of the black and white either, which added to my impatience in wanting the movie to end.

Suffering and misery is so intense and present throughout the film that it chokes you up. And it intensifies with every minute to eventually climax in a heartbreaking final. Well done. This touched me deeply.

-Extremely emotional and impactful. -I should probably watch it again though.