Chasing the White Dragon

Chasing the White Dragon is a wonderful film that gives you an intense look into the horrors of crystal meth. With the film's fast paced structure, you're never bored and remain deeply engaged in the characters and their stories. You're emotionally attached to the key characters as soon as you're introduced to the horrors in their lives. The story builds to a wonderful climax that will give you chills on many occasions. Apart from the story, the actor's performances, special effects, music, and production value are so well done. The music is one of the many highlights of the film. Kree Harrison's music is exceptional and after you see the film, you'll be dying to have Kree's "What if I Leave Today" on your iPod. This film is a must see for anyone who enjoys and appreciates films that mix intense, fast paced drama with compelling and emotional story lines. Chasing the White Dragon is a very impressive indie film that everyone should look out for on the festival circuit.

I have heard "Chasing the White Dragon" being compared to other films about drug addiction and I will concede to agree on one point. It's no "Requiem For a Dream." Because, in fact, "Chasing the White Dragon" is much more true to life!! I have been a police officer for almost 15 years and see every day the effects of methamphetamines in peoples lives and nothing could be closer to reality than the portrayal presented by Kat Scratch Films and Lil Bo Productions. As I watched this film I felt the impact the drug made not only on the users but the way it impacted the lives of their families and the community. The actors performances were exceptional. The expressions of fear, frustration, paranoia, betrayal, love, and friendship were all played with such intensity that I was drawn into the lives of the characters. The special effects were perfect! They added just the right dimension of power without overloading the storyline... as I felt happened in "Requiem For a Dream." The realism was edgy and frightening. The music added just the right touch, mixing sad and mournful melodies then heightening the tense moments with perfectly chosen heavy rock. I have to comment on some of these fresh faced actors, most of whom are new to the industry. These actors showed such an incredible level of talent in their roles and were very refreshing to watch. This is a very well cast and well crafted Indie film that will definitely be getting some attention. At it's first appearance on the film festival circuit it won a well deserved award which I'm certain is the first of many to come.

Kat Phillips is an extraordinary writer and director. See "Katrina's Wake" and "Space Available" and you will see what I mean. CTWD is her first feature length effort and I think she exceeded all expectations with this film. My congratulations to all of the production staff, cast and crew for making this important film. My 15 year old son accompanied me to the Tupelo premiere and it opened his eyes to the horrors of addiction, whether the drug is meth, cocaine, alcohol, or even tobacco. He left with a keener sense of awareness of addiction's very real, very devastating effects on not only the user but the friends and families of the addict. It makes us realize that drug abuse isn't restricted to the inner city. It reveals the terrifying fact that it reaches into even the smallest town, "Anytown, USA." Watch this film! It is engaging, engrossing, educational, and inspiring. I applaud the young actors for their excellent performances and feel like we are seeing the beginning of some very successful film careers with CTWD! Kat Phillips and Austin Haley did not have a Spielberg-size budget to make this film but the final product rivals many of Hollywood's multi-million dollar movies. This was a project from the heart and it showed. Excellent work!!

Chasing the White Dragon was an amazing drama that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and holding my breath as it presented how the White Dragon sends its smoky,elusive and extremely dangerous and destructive tendrils throughout even the healthiest communities. Having seen several working versions of the film and two viewings in festivals I can honestly say that the films development only improved with each viewing. The film is dark,intensely personal and sometimes flows with the rhythm of a white water raft ride,but there are bright flashes of hope and as it happens in all our lives great moments of intensely personal joy and success. And like all good tales it shows that life can be and will be good if you reach for it and that the danger might move away from your community but it does not disappear. Completely worth it.

This movie excels in portraying the true horrors of crystal methamphetamine addiction. The research that went into the character development, makeup, clothing, sets, and mannerisms of the main characters is dead on. To have people praising the accuracy of this movie who have come in close personal contact with crystal methamphetamine addicts is truly a compliment of the highest degree and all involved in this project should be proud. The combined talents of award winning film makers Kat Phillips and Austin Haley are further recognized in this dramatic indie masterpiece. With one award already, this film is sure to win even more after only one appearance (as of 9/15/08) on the festival circuit and a 1st place Best Screenplay award already.

Early on in this movie we see that the cast assembled has zero talent. Really bad acting mirrors the mind achingly inane dialogue. Anyone who has lived this life will immediately see the drug using scenes are not even close to accurate. The movies Go & Spun were far better, and they weren't great by any means. This was a slog to get through. Mass overdoses at the half hour mark would have been welcomed.