Movie Reviews: Ping Pong Playa and Saving Face

I chose to review these two movies simply because they may not be as well known as some other movies with ANA in them. Also, I thought both these movies were done well with some excellent acting - unlike some other films that I have seen lately.

First, lets look at PING PONG PLAYA ( http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0991167/ - imdb info here) When I first heard of this movie - after my sister had watched it - I had pretty low expectations.... I had low expectations because: 1. I have not heard much, if anything at all, about this movie 2. really?!?! a movie about PING PONG? COME ON! 3. It just seemed to be full of cheesy cheese cheesieness. But I gave it a try anyways! And I was entertained throughout the movie and found myself quite enjoying it. The premise of this movie is indeed a little corny as it follows a wannabe Basketball player and his journey in withholding is family's tradition and business by competing in the local ping pong tournament. The kids in this movie are great - and the lead is decent given the character he had to play. All in all lots of fun poked at 'stereotypes' and it was a good showcase of talent. Go see if you can!

Saving Face was a delight - so refreshing and just great (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384504/ - imdb info here). I was also pleasantly surprised when they started speaking Shanghainese in this movie! ( I am Shanghainese myself - and you hardly get to hear the dialect unless you are in Shanghai... or speaking to my aunts and uncles). The plot of this movie is much more unconventional as it combines two things which are not seen on mainstream film too often -- 1. Asian people and 2. Lesbians ....... and also 3. Asians who ARE lesbians. Amazingly done film as it really captured a sense of the ANA community and the struggles with 'old school' parents and 'new school' children. Lots of good acting here and all in all a love/comedy/ almost chick flicky - but good film to watch. Go see as well!