I'd had this movie on my list for quite a while, so when I finally got to it, I jumped headfirst not knowing what to expect, except vague memories of its background.
So, it was not bad. I think the production design was well-made, editing nicely done, and cinematography dexterously shot. However, I hold some slightly personal grudges against the plot...
The film started off pretty well, with a compelling story of the leading character, Evon (fka Andy), in the melting pot of Malaysia. The ending was definitely not one that I expected. I understand queer people in such conservative states would struggle a lot in life, but Evon can't seem to catch a break, and she deserves better. If you opt for a tearjerker, then fine, but have a better solution for the characters, instead of giving them dead ends. This is not the queer representation I wish to see.
And speaking of representation, I actually find Lin's character kinda horrendous. Being a Viet myself, I was displeased by how they portrayed Vietnamese people. An illegal single mom prostitute who turned out to be the bad guy? Really? Also, I was in disbelief when I heard the conversation on the phone between her and her family, and that accent/pronunciation was not at all convincing, and the actors that spoke over the phone was rough and soulless as well. I don't speak Madarin, but based on my knowledge of it, she seemed to have spoken it better than her mother tongue as if it was not foreign to her lol. Other than that, her acting was fine.
I was confused about the appearance of the characters and their code-switching until I realized it was not set in Taiwan lol.
It was not bad, but could have been executed better obviously. The rest of the cast was really the saving grace of this film, with Lee being a highlight as Evon.
You can watch it if you have nothing to go to, but I absolutely would not recommend.
