Close Call

This movie is a must see! I disagree on how it was a struggle to its expectation. If you understand the movie from your heart instead of the mind, it's very inspirational. Yes, there are graphic sex and violent scene, but that's not what made the movie great. It's the inspiration that it brings. It definitely inspired me and it should inspire everyone else out there. It brought tears to my eyes when a struggle and wound that seems eternally damaged was still able to heal. If you miss your chance to watch this movie in theater, don't miss it with this DVD. Great job to all the cast and crew that made this film possible! Keep up the good work!

In Los Angeles, the young Jenny (Kaye Lu) has a nice childhood with her Korean parents Joanne (Christina Ma) and David Kim (Philip Moon). However, after the divorce of her parents, the judge gives her custody to her selfish mother that neglects Jenny while the disappointed David returns to Seoul. Six years later, Jenny (Annie Lee) is a troubled and reckless teenager expelled from the public school that has easy sex and uses drugs and booze, and her best friend is the orphan drug dealer Becky (Faleena Hopkins). The lawyer Elliot Krasner (Jeff Fahey) decides to call his former friend David to tell him about the self-destructive behavior of Jenny, and David returns to Los Angeles. He brings Jenny to live with him and support her, but the lack of emotional structure of Jenny imposes tough difficulties for their relationship.

"Close Call" is a dramatic coming-to-age story of a girl completely lost with a broken family after a divorce process. The plot is not so deep like, for example, "Christiane F. - Wir Kinder Vom Bahnhof Zoo" or "Engel & Joe", and in some corny moments it seems to be a soap-opera with optimistic conclusion. However, the gorgeous and sexy Annie Lee has a magnificent performance in her debut, making this movie worthwhile. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "No Limite" ("In the Limit")

Above-average to talented performances are marred by a repetitive script and ponderous pacing and editing. What could have been an interesting hour long after-school special (or, considering its occasionally graphic sex and violence scenes, hour-long cable movie) gets padded with too many of the same reminders that Jenny is a troubled teenager or that David really wants his daughter to succeed in school. Kudos to writer/director Jimmy Lee and his vision to bring his story to the screen, but ninety-four minutes feels a hundred minutes longer. Maybe changes can be made before DVD release to better realize the story.

Shining spot: Annie Lee's engaging portrayal of a girl with no sense of direction or goals.

I was surprisingly shocked to see this kind of realism from an Asian American filmmaker. The story was very touching and I was able to relate to it 100%. Many of my close friends went through what the movie portrayed and I'm glad a film like this is out there. The different perspectives of the parents, the girl and the Asian culture was brought out perfectly. The editing was very unique and I'm glad to see a different style of film-making once in awhile. The style was mixed with new and traditional styles of shooting that I enjoyed very much.

I haven't seen a film in a long time that affected me the way Close Call did. I give props to the filmmakers and hope that they continue sharing these strong and courageous stories with the public. Definitely worth watching! Bring your parents or kids too. They might learn something.

This film really blew me away. I didn't expect anything like it. It was very edgy and unique. The director's style and pace always kept me at the edge of my seat. You never know what to expect. One minute it'll make you cry, and the next it'll make you laugh. I enjoyed every minute of it. The actors were all newcomers, except for Jeff Fahey, and they all were great. I definitely have to have this for my DVD collection when it gets out. I've watched it 3 times already.

The story is familiar, but I have never seen it told in this way before. Very realistic and honest. The Asian American aspect of it was so refreshing and gave me a greater insight into the culture and different points of views. I left the theatre breathless and with more appreciation for my family and life overall. I actually called my dad after I watched the movie.

There was a mother and daughter watching it together in the audience and they both left the theatre in tears holding hands. It is rare to see a film that touches people in this way. It was a pure joy ride. I laughed, I cried, and actually felt like I was in the movie. I definitely recommend seeing this if you're lucky to get the chance.