A Great Divide

The best part comes right at the very end. I had to stop and re-attempt to watch this movie multiple times as it was initially frustrating. I appreciate someone trying to tell the story of what Asians went through during the Covid pandemic when we could not leave our houses as strangers would cough on us and we were the lucky ones with many getting killed on the news. While this movie's intent was to showcase the experience that grew during Covid, it failed to do that because the movie takes place in Wyoming, contrary to where the concentration of hate was happening - right in the blue states of NY, California and Illinois. Our democratic political leaders failed to protect us from Biden to Newsom. The scenes with the grandmother, I thought were totally unnecessary until the very last scene which explained the title - The Great Divide. That was clever as I did not see that coming. All those scenes with the grandma and the stories of the Korean war in the 50s seem to be quite a sacrifice just to have an inventive ending. The main character is the son named Benjamin who hopes to get into a good school. The movie rightfully points out that Asian-Americans are subjected to a higher standard than White Americans for acceptance into top universities. I could not understand why the son would object to his mom fighting back when he was entrapped and being blackmailed. One of the biggest flaw in the movie is why Benjamin and Ellie did not use their smartphones to call for help instead of wasting time and daylight to chase someone down for assistance. Ken Jeong is miscast in this role as he is way too old compared to his wife and the two friends he went to school with. The effort is appreciated but anti-Asian h--t was happening right in our neighborhoods, not far away Wyoming where snakes, moose and bison roam.

I found this movie unexpected and really rewarding to watch. Yes, there were clichés but they're real life clichés, and the sum of the movie made everything fit and seem new and relevatory. I think this is due to the honesty in which the various themes and charactors stories were handled which made this movie wholly original. The performances were all amazing and the story was beautiful, gentle and real even with some of it's harsh reality.

I hope this kind of heartfelt, understated and beautiful movie starts a trend. It's what we need at this time. A movie that will help people breathe, heal and grow up.

A Great Divide (2023) is a touching drama that addresses racism, identity, and strength. It tells the story of the Lee family, who move from the Bay Area to rural Wyoming for a fresh start after a personal loss. They soon confront the harsh realities of prejudice and must deal with their new surroundings while facing their own struggles. The movie features great performances, especially by Ken Jeong, who plays a serious role instead of his usual funny ones. The film's beautiful shots of Wyoming add to its emotional impact. A Great Divide showcases a family's fight to adapt and overcome challenges, making it a powerful and moving film. It is a must-see for anyone who enjoys deep, character-focused stories. - Joymahidul.

As a person of German and European decent, i have had the unfortunate experience of watching racism from this side of things. Which i truly detest. Every day in Texas, it rains down on people that never deserved it and im sure its everywhere. My trip to Missouri gleaned some of the same, i didnt see a person of any color than mine, in that town, until i visited St Louis. I can attest to the fact that this level of racism exists and I'm sorry that my people are downplaying reality.

As i watched, my toes and jaw clenched, the drama is there, the realism is there, and it was easy to relive the experiences I've had watching others being bullied and tricked based on being different.

As always, the male lead is a phenomenal actor, as is his partner, id love to see all 4 of them in any future movies.

You picked the perfect people to play the antagonists. Maybe it should have been set it Texas, because whew ..... does it spark some memories.

If you are a person of similar descent like mine, and you're more on the conservative side, just go watch the movies that depict you in a better light. A lack of empathy on your part does not mean your review of this movie is authentic or right.

As an Asian American dad, I'm happy to see a movie like this on screen. I loved Ken Jeong in a drama role and the storyline brought me to tears several times. I could relate to the relationships and heartbreak the characters felt. Beautifully shot and hopefully brings some insight to those who have not dealt with racism and prejudice before. The movie is an education in what many Asian Americans have felt for generations and continue to feel, especially during the pandemic. It's a story that needed to be told and makes me feel seen as an Asian American man. I hope to see more movies like this one.