sidunrau

The set-up for the central tragedy to be responded to was carefully set- up, almost as if a home-movie. But after the tragedy and crises of faith (people affected by the tragedy responded differently) the movie seemed to become 1) more professionally filmed and 2) more laboriously wordy, even preachy at times. I felt that there were too many words, and that the ties to religious heroes as role-models were too strong-handed. That said, the turning point for the main character, which included a lengthy poem (which was perfect for this moment of the film), was, in a word (or two or three...), excellent, inspiring, thought-provoking and, even, paradigm-shifting, evoking contemplation for the viewer. I had the pleasure of seeing the writer/director/one-of-the-main-actors and another main-actor after the screening, and even they were moved by the film - again - after having been involved in its making. Could use some polishing and could be a bit shorter, but it is great for the whole family.

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.