Review of Face

Face (2002)
Losing Face.Finding Soul.
17 October 2002
Face tells us two stories set in New York; the first, a family drama, is about Kim, who sees her life changed after a drunken ONS.The second story,a love story, is about Kim's cute daughter Genie(the result of the ONS)and her teenage-relationship. Kim is forced into marriage, but can't endure her life with scumball husband and her unwanted child and escapes to Hong Kong and independence leaving her daughter in the care of her mother,embodiment of chinese tradition, culture and heritage. Now, some 16 years later and raised by her grandmother, Genie is a hip teenager, who falls for Michael,an attractive young DJ, who happens to be black.So Genie,by dating him,is breaking chinese traditions,but finds true love. Both mother and daughter fight the eternal struggle between tradition and freedom and are unequally successful. And even though the stories take place in a chinese family,they really could take place in any other culture, if Italian, Jewish, Greek,.....the themes have a global appeal and many viewers will identify automaticly. Director Bay-Sa Pan directs very self-assured,knowing when to dramatize and when to slow down and is rewarded by strong performances from her actors, especially Kristy Wu, who's keen on demonstrating her talent. You'll absolutely will enjoy this movie!!!
12 out of 15 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed