Eve and the Fire Horse

Julia Kwan's "Eve & the Fire Horse" is a sweet, gentle film in which a 9-year-old girl, Eve (Phoebe Kut), recalls her childhood when her sister, Karena (Hollie Lo), introduces her to Catholicism.

It's a typical coming-of-age film with an Asian bent, nonetheless. It's buoyed by two fine performances by Kut and Lo. There's nothing unexpected or unpredictable about it, but it delves into a culture that is alien to most Americans. And it deals very well with the clash of cultures - or, in this case, religions - and the confusion that arises as these young kids try to deal with life.

Writer-director Kwan takes her time to set up her story and then unravel it. We get to know these characters and appreciate their motivations. The humor is nothing outrageous; this is the sort of film that brings a smile to one's face rather than, say, a loud guffaw or two.

What works in the film is the relationship between the two sisters. From the opening scene of them on the wall, we believe these two are not only related, but very close.

There are some fine supporting performances. Vivian Wu is brilliantly understated as the children's mother, and Chit Chan Man Lester brings the right amount of pathos and humor to his role as their father.

One of the film's failings is a rather obvious narration. I'm not averse to voice-over narrations in films such as this. But many of the moments in the narration could have been shown and not told.

"Eve & the Fire Horse" is a pleasant film, one that could've been better, but works nonetheless. Its charm comes from its two young actors who seem so natural that we're drawn into their colorful worlds and imagination. It says a lot about families; it also says a lot about religion. I'm not sure if Kwan endorses proselytizing, but the film does seem to make a statement about the commonality among religions. And that's certainly not a bad thing. It's a sweet, tender film that makes for a nice afternoon at the movies.

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!

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.

what a wonderful show! it's just opened in vancouver, b.c. (the city in which it was filmed) and what a treat to see it.

eve and the fire horse is beautiful, funny, touching, and thoughtful. julie kwan gently and poetically illuminates difficult truths.

affection, death, racism, camaraderie, longing, evangelism across cultural lines and religious fervour are all touched on.

a very enjoyable film whether you are ten or 90. behind me in the theatre sat a family ranging almost that far and the laughter was spread equally across the row.

three thumbs up!