Saving Face (2004) Reviews

• Beautifully done

  dennisjlee2005-01-26

  I just saw this at Sundance. Alice Wu is a first-time director, yet this is one of the best movies I have seen in some time. It is funny, yet tells a beautiful and complex story about communication, traditions and love. It did not look like a low budget independent film at all. The acting, cinematography and music were all beautifully done. One could tell this was an important story to all those involved and that they worked very hard to get it to the final product. The characters are not stereotypes but honest portrayals of Chinese Americans dealing with older traditions in modern America. We are all immigrants, we are all human and make mistakes while struggling for acceptance in society. Sometimes it is what we don't say that effects our lives most.

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• Two women fall in love. They have to deal with cultural and family and professional issues.

  gershuny2005-04-18

  This first time director/author has made a movie that will have universal appeal. Although the main part of the plot centers on two Chinese women who are successful professionals and are love with each other, the movie is not "about" Chinese people or "about" lesbians. The story concerns how two interesting people deal with cultural taboos, with their places in the culture and in their families, and with the demands of their respective careers (surgeon and ballerina). But, even with this serious backdrop, the story is told with humor; there are more laughs and smiles than tears. When you see the movie, note how beautifully the romance between these protagonists develops. It's likely that this movie will have limited distribution, at least at the the beginning. Look for it. You will be glad you did.

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• Exceptionally well done movie

  yogasong442005-05-12

  While this movie has a Chinesse-American lesbian theme, it goes under the same category of "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding": you don't need to be one to REALLY, REALLY like it! The writing is extremely humorous and intelligent. It reminded me of the "Kissing Jessica Stein movie" in terms of the wit that the writer (who also happens to be the director) brings forth in the script. I was not sure what to expect from a movie that I was seeing at a film festival. I was pleasantly and extremely surprised! The actors were quite believable in their roles and did a fine job. The production quality of the movie was quite noticeable from the start of the movie and was very good and enjoyable to watch. The lead characters are likable and sweet, while not Pollyannish. The story itself is also full of scenarios that most people can relate to regardless of their sexual orientation or race. So, if you're looking for a fun time, out go see this movie and enjoy!

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• lovely romantic comedy with several twists

  maudebasset2005-05-30

  I was lucky enough to get into "Saving Face" on its opening night at the AMC on 42nd St. in NY. It was sold out and for good reason! It was a delightful yet thought-provoking romantic comedy with some important social undertones. The portrayal of three generations of Chinese- Americans included a lovely lesbian love story, a pregnant older Ma, and all sorts of complications and funny funny twists. Lots of laughing out loud- and the audience (very diverse) was REALLY into it... I laughed and cried. And you heard it here first-- Lynn Chen, who convincingly played the ballerina role, is a star waiting to happen. She is just gorgeous, a fine actress, and delightful to watch. All the acting is top-notch. I want everyone to see it so we can support interesting and enjoyable independent movies that open our minds just a little bit!

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• makes you feel soooo good....

  babyfacemel2005-05-18

  i saw this film with a bunch of lesbians in boston, and, even though we all agreed that the ending was a bit fluffy and unrealistic, it made us all feel so warm and happy. which, i guess, is what a good romantic comedy is supposed to do - so i forgive the ultra-perfect ending. the acting is terrific, especially the mother, who is funny as hell. the lead actress, the one who plays the doctor, is smart and cute. and the one who plays the ballerina is terrific too. i saw this actress (lynn chen) and the director (alice wu) at the festival afterwards and it was really exciting because it was like looking at future stars. alice wu is smart and talented and charming. i can't believe this is her first feature film. and lynn chen is going to be a star - i don't know what it is about her, but she's gorgeous and young and can act and there aren't any other young Asian American actresses like her so she should go far. definitely go see this film in the theaters - you'll float when you leave.

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