Chasing the White Dragon

Chasing the White Dragon was an amazing drama that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and holding my breath as it presented how the White Dragon sends its smoky,elusive and extremely dangerous and destructive tendrils throughout even the healthiest communities. Having seen several working versions of the film and two viewings in festivals I can honestly say that the films development only improved with each viewing. The film is dark,intensely personal and sometimes flows with the rhythm of a white water raft ride,but there are bright flashes of hope and as it happens in all our lives great moments of intensely personal joy and success. And like all good tales it shows that life can be and will be good if you reach for it and that the danger might move away from your community but it does not disappear. Completely worth it.

This might have been a good flick with better acting. The Jesse character was overwrought and generally insufferable. Lighting could stand much improvement, and sound engineering was non -existent, save for a few overlays of grunge music choices that were fairly well matched to the story. Overall, it had a sophomoric film school feel about it. In someone else's hands it might have stood a chance at being a really good film.

So light something up, pour a few shots, and watch the film. Someone has to get practical experience while cutting their teeth. It's not a complete loss. Some scenes just needed a little coaching and a few more takes to make it flow.

The entire experience of this movie from filming it to watching it was indescribable,amazing! It pulled at all of my emotions. I was yelling at Rud/Tucker Lee, scared of Jesse and Ethan, angry at Raul and Paulina and cried Grandma Coast! Jasmine and Lindsay take you on a roller coaster of a journey and Lindsay is very lucky to have such a supportive friend willing to risk it all. The film was fast paced, gritty and emotional. The special effects were absolutely amazing!! I loved the music chosen for it as well. I can't wait to see it again and again. Every single person involved did a fantastic job in order to make a incredible movie with an outstanding message! Cheers to the director and the entire cast and crew for what they did to get this movie out there! I hope you get a chance to see this movie!

Early on in this movie we see that the cast assembled has zero talent. Really bad acting mirrors the mind achingly inane dialogue. Anyone who has lived this life will immediately see the drug using scenes are not even close to accurate. The movies Go & Spun were far better, and they weren't great by any means. This was a slog to get through. Mass overdoses at the half hour mark would have been welcomed.

This movie excels in portraying the true horrors of crystal methamphetamine addiction. The research that went into the character development, makeup, clothing, sets, and mannerisms of the main characters is dead on. To have people praising the accuracy of this movie who have come in close personal contact with crystal methamphetamine addicts is truly a compliment of the highest degree and all involved in this project should be proud. The combined talents of award winning film makers Kat Phillips and Austin Haley are further recognized in this dramatic indie masterpiece. With one award already, this film is sure to win even more after only one appearance (as of 9/15/08) on the festival circuit and a 1st place Best Screenplay award already.