I saw Front Cover at the Seattle Film festival and loved it! The story revolves around Ryan (Jake Choi), the Chinese American fashionista who is assigned to re-design the fashion sensibilities of an up-and-coming Chinese movie star, Ning (James Chen). Cultural clashes occur and it is fun to see their relationship grow into a friendship and then more. I am a CBC (Canadian born Chinese) who, like the main character, grew up not appreciating my identity – actually running from it and later back towards it. I also just happened to be married to my husband who grew up in China. I can definitely relate to this story. Both actors bring strong presence to their characters. There is great chemistry between the two main leads, and the director allows the audience to feel the attraction organically develop through the subtle glances and well placed physical contacts. When they finally become more intimate, the scenes are electric and beautifully framed.
This is my favorite film by Ray Yeung. The director does a great job of allowing viewpoints from both sides and explores mature themes (sense of isolation in one's own culture and pressures of gay life in Asia today) that are relevant in contemporary societies. He balances moments of tenderness (Ning's interaction with Ryan's parents), comedy (Ryan's cruising/ on-line dating challenges), and tension (enter the girlfriend!) fluidly. Keeping the themes and outcome realistic lends to the power of fine story telling. The soundtrack enhances the emotional heart of the film.
This is my favorite film by Ray Yeung. The director does a great job of allowing viewpoints from both sides and explores mature themes (sense of isolation in one's own culture and pressures of gay life in Asia today) that are relevant in contemporary societies. He balances moments of tenderness (Ning's interaction with Ryan's parents), comedy (Ryan's cruising/ on-line dating challenges), and tension (enter the girlfriend!) fluidly. Keeping the themes and outcome realistic lends to the power of fine story telling. The soundtrack enhances the emotional heart of the film.