Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon was an interesting watch. It branches off slightly with different through-lines for different characters, and then it all comes back together through a singular family. In the runtime it has, I feel like it's not overly ambitious but hits that sweet spot of speaking to the dysfunctional dynamics that can exist within a Filipino-American family and then tilts your perception of it and the expectations you might have for the film ever so slightly so to surprise you with how stories are resolved. Some things left me wanting more, but I feel like overall it was a pretty solid film. Overall, I feel like this hit a sweet spot between the balance of making me feel a claustrophobic sense of fear at times and levity through the absurdity of certain situations encountered in the film.

A beautiful story about family, and the importance of second chances. Go in with an open mind. This film may not have the budget of something like "Knives Out" or "The Royal Tenenbaums", but it packs just as much character drama and twists as either, all in the span of 95 minutes. H.P. Mendoza is a master of maximizing a small budget, and this film is truly something special if you allow yourself to overlook what may be perceived as technical shortcomings and just let it wash over you.

Super enjoyable, dark comedy. I also got the chance to see a community that I don't normally experience in movies. I enjoyed the performances, especially from Brian Rivera.

Bitter Melon is a fresh take on indie filmmaking that is consistently engaging and original throughout. The cast is diverse, the music score is haunting (especially the end credits song by the director himself) and the plot takes some nice twists and turns. It's a strong film from an original voice.

I love this film for a lot of reasons. Asians and API folks get boxed into stereotypes when it comes to specific genres. The roles are not necessarily diverse and taking risks with our imaginations as filmmakers aren't necessarily rewarded. I'm pleased with the fact that the filmmaker juxtaposes traumatic issues within a cultural framework that resonates with the audience as a whole. It's not easy to weave themes such as masculinity (including toxic masculinity), homophobia, misogyny, and domestic violence into storytelling that is entertaining, funny, dark, terrifying, and serious at the same time.

Timing is incredibly appreciated in this film. From the delivery and performance of the actors/actresses (you should know much was shot in single take) to the score, it's obvious the filmmaker is a genius- add his guerrilla-like filmmaking training from his DIY days. This kind of passion in filmmaking is far from the automated formats you see these days.

Be prepared for some monologues but from my perspective, it gives you the experience of live theater- something I'm sure we're all missing these days.

The references to SF Bay Area Filipinos, 90's API love, and Filipino food and culture is on spot. A film to be proud of no matter who you are.