Close Call

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.

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!

Good movie making.

The story line actually depicts the lives of many teenagers growing up n the chaotic city of Loa Angeles. Unfortunately so many teens actually live this nightmare with patents working and having no good role models to guild them day to day. The interaction and on-screen chemistry between Annie Lee and Philip Moon give the film a real sense and believability of a true father daughter relationship. Annie Lee's acting is well done, and she has so much potential as she continues to mature as an actress and develops her art.

The editing and story line are well integrated and flow smoothly from seen to seen without the sudden shift to other realities found in many other movies of this caliber. It follows the characters lives well and avoids viewer confusion. The move is admittedly long running, but the amount of information only helps the viewer understand the true challenges the characters faced in the movies story line.

Without getting to in depth into the the plot this well thought out drama rises on the performance of Annie Lee. She steels the movie form all her costars and puts on an excellent performance playing the gritty angst filled teen. I sometimes found the movie going from theatre quality when she's in the scenes to afterschool special when she wasn't in the scenes, but inspite of this minor setback the story is well thought out and it paints a vivid picture about kids nowadays, and how easily their whole lives can spin out of control. This isn't a movie for the weak of heart as it pulls no punches, and I love the smashmouth reality this movie reveals. I hope to see more movies starring Annie, and Close Call is well worth the watch.

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")