By Roger Costa
TRANSPLANT
Centered on the compulsive devotion of an ambitious young surgical resident, Korean-American director Jason Park’s feature debut is a visually sumptuous (and gory) dramatic thriller that easily announces a major cinematic force. Park coordinates the sensitive and provocative material with master techniques, demonstrating authenticity while providing a highly entertaining and accurate portrait of a trapped youth in competitiveness, family expectations, faith and the morals of medical practice and aiding others.
In his first role for cinema, actor Eric Nam delivers an impressive embodiment of a young man navigating the uncertainties of maturity; and Bill Camp, a veteran Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Nominee who’s always captivating and efficient, simply storms out as the arrogant surgical leader of the training program. The chemistry between these two is perfect, their rivalry and mutual respect are displayed as a masterclass in acting. Park’s film is also enhanced by the stunning sound design and music, creating an atmospheric vibe, the precise editing and of course, its exquisite cinematography. Park has a lot of confidence in his visual choices. Here is an ambitiously crafted, impressively acted and satisfying indie gem deserving Awards attention.
(Screens Sunday, August 3rd at Regal Union Square NYC)
SURRENDER
A gritty and raw examination on family trauma, addiction, gambling and mental instability, Chinese-American writer and director Jess Dang paints a sensitive and urgent canvas of female bond and co-dependence. Making her directorial debut, Dang casts an empathetic and non-judgmental eye on the issues related to her feminine heroine while observing how the world reacts to her.
A profound and touching existential journey, the film delicately and never intrusive, follows Naomi, a young Asian American woman seeking her own identity while confronting past and present relationships. Dang demonstrates incredible empathy for her characters, giving them space and time to reflect and then move on. A poignant story of survival.
(Screens Friday, August 8th at Regal Union Square NYC)
MONGRELS
Losing someone is never an easy task, neither is it re-starting. For a family dealing with grieving and self-examination these challenges could be transformational. Korean-Canadian filmmaker Jerome Yoo’s complex and deeply affecting drama is a meditation on family struggle, resilience and perseverance.
Seductively shot and mysteriously observational, it focuses on a family rebuilding their life in Canada while adjusting to a tragic past. Set in the early 90’s, the narrative explores themes such as sexuality, identity, prejudice and animal abuse with spontaneity and natural vigor. A sensation at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, this is a touching and heart-rending story of a broken family in process of redemption.
(Screens Sunday, August 10th at Regal Union Square NYC).
(The 48th Asian American International Film Festival runs thru August 10th in New York City. Go to https://www.aaiff.org/program for details)
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