Charlotte Sometimes (2002)

User Rating:

6.3/10   

Director:

Eric Byler

Writers:

Eric Byler (screenplay)
Eric Byler (story)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Sometimes the truth is in the lie.

Plot:

Michael, a young mechanic, is forced to choose between a daring tryst with an alluring stranger and the habitual comfort of his bittersweet obsession: his beautiful young roommate. |

Awards:

3 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Jacqueline Kim	...	Darcy / Charlotte
Eugenia Yuan	...	Lori
Michael Idemoto	...	Michael
Matt Westmore	...	Justin
Shizuko Hoshi	...	Aunt
Kimberly-Rose Wolter	...	Annie
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jon Jacobs	...	Jason on TV
Michael Krawic	...	Nightclub Owner
Andrew J. Turner	...	Andrew

Also Known As:

Duplex (USA) (working title)
Sex or Lunch (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for sexual content and some language.

Runtime:

85 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Japanese | Mandarin

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:R

Filming Locations:

Buttonwillow, California, USA

Company:

Visionbox Pictures

Trivia:

The title of the film is taken from a song by The Cure.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 2003 IFP Independent Spirit Awards (2003) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Deep in the Heart

You know a film is great when you have no other to compare it to.

A subtle and complex experience. It runs as smooth as silk yet creates just enough tension to keep you on your seat. As in all great films, dialogue takes a back seat to the unspoken interaction amongst the characters who, without words, are able engage us and force us to see the universality of love, sex, betrayal and manipulation.

It is undoubtedly rare to see a western film with all Asian characters in major roles without being stereotypical or pushing an obvious socio-cultural theme. Uncommonly (and, personally, to my relief) race seems almost coincidental and, most importantly, apolitical. Yet, inevitably, because of this rarity, we can't but be intrigued as we watch these people behave as all Americans do, yet with a grace and refinement so unique to Asian culture. It leads us to explore and to question whether or not this cultural element actually affects the way these characters relate and live their lives and if the story would otherwise have taken a different course altogether. Food for thought.

"Charlotte" is remarkably powerful and engaging in its simplicity. Just beautiful to watch. Bravo.