White on Rice

I took a co-worker, who had never heard of the movie or anyone in it. I heard about the movie on my local morning radio station - the main radio star (Jimmy Chunga) is in the movie (albeit a bit part). I had no idea what to expect and was absolutely delighted that it was quirky, silly, ridiculous, campy and everything else I loved about Napoleon Dynamite, except this time set in Salt Lake City (unnamed in the movie) and featuring the clash of culture between Japanese-Americans and Japanese- socially-challenged-folk. It is not for wee ones, but there's nothing overly offensive in the movie. Funny thing: by the end of the movie, I actually cared about the main characters, and couldn't help but think how clever the writers were keeping the characters internally consistent in their interactions. I just couldn't stop laughing during the movie - or long afterwords as my co-worker and I relived our favorite moments.

This movie is very funny. It started out a little slow, and the humor sometimes depends on awkwardness (which isn't my favorite type, but if you like the Office it will probably appeal to you more), but there were a lot of great one-liners that I'll probably remember and quote for a long time. The acting was very good, especially the nephew (I believe the character's name was Bob?) who was wonderfully deadpan. It's kind of like a Japanese Napoleon Dynamite, with a touch of The Office mixed in, but endearing in its own way. I would definitely recommend it to just about anyone. (Warning: there is a fair amount of comedic blood in two scenes, so if you're queasy about that look away during the obvious scenes)

I was fairly disappointed with this movie. I was so excited for a film centered around an Asian American family. However, I didn't really get attached to this movie as much as I hope for. The story line, although strong, doesn't hold my interest. I didn't really care for the main guy, or have much empathy for him or his story.

He takes advantage of his family, whether he means to or not. The best character in this whole movie is BOB, the 10-ish year old kid. His character is the comedic relief and is quite charming.

This movie has its moments, but I found the Uncle Jimmy to be the bane of my existence, in watching this. Although I didn't like it as much as I thought I would, I don't think it was that horrible of a story.

While I will be the first to admit that "White on Rice" didn't always work, the overall picture is so fresh and quirky that I still recommend it. It's a film from David Boyle--a writer/director/actor who totally captivated me and my wife when we recently saw his "Big Dreams Little Tokyo". Using the barest of budgets, Boyle has managed to once again make a film with characters you just have to love--very, very quirky ones at that.

Jimmy is a pathetic Japanese divorcée who has left his country and moved in with his sister's family in the States. Jimmy is nearing 40 and has little to show for himself--not much of a job, no love life and he sleeps in the top bunk of his nephew's bunk-bed! However, when his brother-in-law's niece moves in temporarily, the dopey Jimmy is totally infatuated and soon behaves like an even bigger dope. At times, he is a little creepy--like a stalker--and I wish the film had not made him quite so extreme and creepy here. But, just when it seems to have gone over the top, it fortunately finds its way.

Throughout the story, there are LOTS of wonderful characters. The nephew, Bob, is great. So is the Banana Lady and many other folks scattered throughout the film. This is DEFINITELY a film for those who like independent cinema and want a film totally un-Hollywood in style. Well worth seeing despite a few lulls.

By the way, that's the director, David Boyle, inside the coffin in the funeral home segment! He's the second body you see and you have to look close for him in his trademark geek glasses. This is a WONDERFUL touch for his fans--as is seeing a poster for "White on Rice" in his previous film, "Big Dreams Little Tokyo"! Cute.

This is a very funny movie. It's sort of the classic coming-of-age story, except it's about a guy who turns 40 during the course of the movie. Jimmy is just like a ten year old kid and totally oblivious to the fact that there's anything wrong with that. He goes through the movie wreaking havoc on his long suffering brother-in-law who just wants to get his marriage back to something normal. I saw this at the LA Asian Film Festival and the audience ate it up. I'm not Asian (my fiancée is Korean and worked for the fest and recommended it), I suspect there's a lot of humor here that is even more funny to Japanese people. Very funny to me was Jimmy's nephew Bob, who's as mature as Jimmy is childlike. A lot of great performances by the smaller parts. One in particular is The Banana Girl (Joy Osmanski) who you should definitely look for in other things because she really lit up the screen.

I don't know if this will ever come to the local multiplex, but you should definitely hunt it down. Well worth the effort.