1st Bite

I had the distinct displeasure of seeing this movie at the 2006 Vancouver International Film Festival. I have been attending this festival for over 5 years, and I have certainly seen some poor movies on occasion. However, 'First Bite' has reached a brand new low in film. In spite of being shot in beautiful locations, with the occasional, exquisite close up of fabulous food, the movie contorts an excessive number of plot twists and stilted characters until I was practically begging for it to end.

The lead actor, David La Haye, completely failed to show any character development throughout the movie, portraying a pompous chef from beginning to end. Additional sub-plots, such as eating disorders, were developed so poorly and completely did not fit within any context that the movie had shown up to that point.

A theme of mysticism was used as a poor attempt to conceal a movie that achieves nothing, goes nowhere, and completely disappoints.

This is a very unusual movie. My girlfriend says it's a roller-coaster. I think it is some kind of X file meets Romeo & Juliet. Another friend calls this a cross cultural potluck fable. "1st Bite" is a movie of food, love and meaning of life. It has very layered messages and stunning visual. Go see it with opinionated friends and have a lively debate and discussion after. You either like it or hate it. This movie is a real trip. The soundtrack very eclectic. It feel strange writing all the above. Perhaps that is what Zen is all about. It fits and reshapes as life is. The Asian actors from India and Thailand are superb. The Western actors are competent and pale compare to the Asian ones.

Like the film a lot. Don't know what to expect at first. It switches from comedy to action to horror to drama... That's the fun of watching this kind of film. But at the end, I totally love the roller-coaster.

It's very different in its approaches to many basic themes like love, food and soul-mates... and even Buddhism. The mythology element is pretty cool and though I'm not from Thailand, I find it very special. My friend from Taiwan told me about the Lovers Rock story which is quite similar to this. The "Full Moon" Party scenes are dazzling...

One should let go of the conventional expectation with "1st Bite"... Then you'll really see what the film can take you... Bravo!!!!

Hunt Hoe's film on food, love, and death references everything from folk tales to Barry White ("my first, last, everything"). Filmed in Montreal and on location in Thailand, Hoe manages to make a mountain out of a molehill, and in true form to his character (see previous works)he stretches his resources to create this thriller that is definitely not your average fare. Like the reoccurring motif of the delicious steamed fish dish and its preparation, the viewer's adventurous spirit will be nurtured. Part fantasy, part stereotype (not good or bad necessarily), 1st Bite is all entertainment. The filmmaker even makes a cameo appearance in his circular cautionary tale of killing and eating what we love.

Saw this recently on PayTV and really enjoyed it. Didn't know what to expect but was presently surprised. The film was shot in Asia ( think is Indonesia or Thailand ), the Caribbean and Canada. The story reminds me of a lot of the folktales where I grew up on the islands. It weaves in a lot of stuff like voodoo, Zen, cooking, meaning of life, etc. The magical or fable element is refreshing. The photography is quite breathtaking. The Thai actress is very spooky. Her accent is a bit hard to understand. But thankfully, she is not saying much. The Indian guru is also quite funky. He's a bit like a witch doctor that you love but fear also. I also get a kick of the world-beat soundtrack. I am looking forward to getting the DVD when it comes out.