Fifteen years ago, a movie theater in My Tho, Viet Nam was consisted of wooden benches, a 13″ TV and a VCR. At that time, Chinese TV series took over the Viet Nam entertainment. Despite the ghetto style, the theater was always packed. On the inside, the place was filled with audiences. On the outside, it was filled with peepers, including myself. The art of watching a film through a crack with one eye was an interesting experience. I could not afford the tickets, and my parents also banned me from watching the addictive Chinese TV series because I was not concentrating on my schoolwork.

As a peeper, I could not watch a film in peace. I had to look out for securities at the same time. Although I was a fast runner, I was caught many times because I was drawn into the fighting scenes and forgot to pay attention. One of my favorite series was Han So Tranh Hung, which based on a legendary historical era at the end of the “Tan” Dynasty where rivals fought to be in power. Names like Luu Bang, Hang Vu, Han Tin, and Truong Luong are still puzzled in my head because I was not sure who was who. Watching a film through a hole and on the run was not helping at all.

Recently, I come across Han So Ba Vuong (The Conqueror’s Story), which also based on the same tale as Han So Tranh Hung. The new series is fresher with magnificent actors including Trinh Thieu Thu (Luu Bang), Giang Hoa (Hang Vu), and Truong Kha Di (Lu Chi). The film has cleared up much confusion I had fifteen years ago. I am now understand each legend and his or her role.

Luu Bang was uneducated, horny, and afraid of death; however, his caring, loving, and devoting characters gained him respect from the people, and they would do anything for him. Luu Bang is played by Trinh Thieu Thu who captured those characters through his skillful fluctuating acting. He is an actor that could go deep inside his role.

On the flip side, Hang Vu was an educated man, enthusiastic monogamist, and an undefeatable commander in battle. Unfortunately his flaming temper and frankness turned many people away from him. Giang Hoa is an actor that is always appear to be cool even under pressure, yet he gave a powerful performance as Hang Vu, who is heartless on the outside, but full of emotion on the inside.

Lu Chi was a woman who had high ambitions. Her goal was to help her husband conquered China and she accomplished it with Luu Bang, who had no talent at all. Her mesmerizing beauty combines with her intelligent mind made her one of the most dangerous women of her time, and Truong Kha Di’s expressive performance captured the essence of those characteristics exquisitely.

The film features a handful of eminent roles such as Truong Luong, Han Tinh, Ngu Co. With a fascinating storyline, incredible performances, and excellent artistic visions (custom design, cinematography, and choreography), Han So Ba Vuong is worth watching. Although the series is long, the pace is moving along smoothly. The film took me a whole weekend to finish, but I am glad it is not a waste of time.

Please not: The Conqueror’s Story is a Chinese TV series, but I write all the names in Vietnamese.

When two guys get together on a trip, what else are on their minds? Even if two gay men get together, they would find two more gay men to screw. Alexander Payne’s Sideways takes viewers on a road trip to visit California wineries with two best friends Miles (Paul Giamattie) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church). Before Jack is getting married, his mission is getting himself and his buddy some booties. Jack knows his lines with the ladies and Miles knows his wines inside out. Isn’t that a perfect combination?

Beside the tight chemistry between Giamattie and Church, the scripting is “tighter than a nun’s asshole!” – as Miles describes a new pinot noir. His descriptive lines through tasting wines make him sounds like a great critic. The best lines are when he explains to Maya (Virginia Madsen) the delicacy of pinot noir grape, which reflects him personality. In response, Madsen gives an emotional and most convincing answer for why she loves wine – the liveliness of it that is.

Sideways has its a laughable scenes as well as serious moments. The pacing of the film is just right and the story is compelling. Alexander Payne once again perfecting his character creation by casting the perfect roles for his film. Paul Giamatti is flawless as Miles in this film just like Jack Nicholson as Schmidt in Payne’s earlier film About Schmidt. Virginia Madsen and Thomas Haden Church are no less impressive in their roles.

By now everyone would probably heard enough compliments on the visual elements of Zhang Yimou’s House of Flying Daggers; therefore, I don’t need to slap any more paints on his canvas. Similar to his previous film, Hero, the images are extraordinary. Unfortunately, the story is ordinary compare to the complexity of Hero. In fact, the love triangle is typical for any Chinese film.

Zhang Ziyi, plays Mei, is the engine that drives the film. The moment she is introduced on screen, the attention is on her. Her rare beauty takes the pain and the exhaustion away from Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro) and Leo (Andy Lau) who try to kill each other during the final duel. And yes! She is worth fighting for even when the weather changes from the gorgeous spring sunshine to the nasty winter blizzards. Zhang’s performance is superior even though she bears too much skin for a traditional Chinese film.

As for Jin (not Ruff Riders’ Jin) and Leo characters, the two actors should have switched their roles. Andy Lau could have given a greater performance as Leo than Takeshi Kaneshiro. Lau is an experienced actor who can express his emotions to the fullest, and Jin would fit him perfectly. Kaneshiro is undoubtedly a handsome guy and he is good, but does not have the charisma that Lau has.

Despite the cheesy storyline, House of Flying Daggers is still entertaining. Both the creative “echo game” and the innovative “bamboo battle” will provide viewers an aesthetic experience. Furthermore, any film directed by Zhang Yimou is guaranteed to be beautiful.

Similar to many Hong Kong TV series, Nguoi Da Ba Yeu Duoi starts off smoothly for the first few chapters, then begins to drag the whole way through. Until the director, Minh Duc Liem, realizes the film has been running way too long, he decided to wrap up quickly on the last chapter.

Not only the production is sloppy, the writing is way off the track. The main character, Ngoc played by Tran Kim Ngan, is so unreal. She is so strong in the beginning, but becomes weaker and weaker as the film proceeds. Her performance is not persuasive at all.

Mrs. Loi (Minh Duc), who takes Ngoc in to be her daughter, is horrible. I want to slap some fairness judgments out of her. Instead of controlling her own kids, she allows them to abuse Ngoc then expresses her apology for what her kids did. When she dies, I feel glad rather than sorry, and she is supposed to be a nice character.

In contrast, Tieu Phung plays a wonderful job as Loc, a wicked daughter, wife, and sister. She only cares about herself. The ways she abuses Ngoc makes me want to smack her; however, she is likable because of her attractive appearance. Speaking of beautiful, Vo Ngoc Ha and Kim Khanh add some pretty faces to the film but their supporting roles aren’t standing out.

If Tieu Phung were not in the series, I would not finish watching the whole thing. She has dominated the film even though she is only a supporting actress. The timing, the writing, and most of the performers are not strong enough to hold up the series.

Is being pretty and poor a sin? Yes! According to Ho Ngoc Xum’s Con Nha Ngheo, a TV series based on Van Ho Bien Chanh novel of the same title. Luu (Bao Chau) is a beautiful but poor lady who was raped and abandoned by Hai Nghia (Thanh Hoang), son of a rich and powerful family. Sounds familiar? Even though the storyline is nothing new, Ho Ngoc Xum has done a great job of keeping the series short and to the point; therefore, the pace does not drag on forever like a soap opera.

“Sau con mua troi lai sang (after a heavy rain, the sun shines again).” After the first dramatic opening with the rape and the injustice, the film moves viewers toward a brighter side of life. The lunch scene on the rice field makes me want to leave this cold place and go back to live a simple life. The husband works on the rice field. The wife brings him a simple lunch. They gather together with the son eating ca kho (braised fish in caramel sauce) and cucumbers with rice. It’s just a perfect life. Simple but filled with happiness.

The performances are simple and natural. Bao Chau is beautiful and Minh Dat is handsome. Together, they are an ideal couple and the chemistry between them is perfect. Le Vu Cau, Minh Phuong and Thanh Hoang have done fantastic jobs as supporting roles. Hong Van is a great comedy actress, but not so convincing in a serious role. I must give her credit for taking on a challenge that is not her usual style.

The only negative aspect of Gai Nha Ngheo, as well as other Vietnamese TV series, is the dubbing. Why don’t they use the actors’ real voice? Hong Van sounds so unnatural with someone else’s voice, especially when I am so used to her high-pitched vocals. Other than that, the film is entertaining. A great time killer for our grandmas.

Two compelling computer generated motion pictures are running neck-to-neck at the box office. Fortunately each targets a slightly different audience. While The Polar Express is pure fantasy, The Incredibles contains a bit of real life situation.

I am feeling the spirit of Christmas already from watching The Polar Express. Not only the high-end computer animation blows me away but Tom Hanks also has done a marvelous job of providing the voices to the characters. As the train takes the kids to the South Pole, The Polar Express takes viewers on a magical roller coaster with its astonishing digital effects. The best part is when the ticket flows off the train, travels around the striking visual sceneries, and makes its way back into the train. The whole process is imaginative. The hot chocolate serving scene, where the waiters dancing, singing, and pouring the drinks, is both creative and fun.

I should have taken Samantha to watch The Polar Express instead of The Incredibles. She could not sit still for two hours even I provided her popcorns and drink. She went from sitting on her own seat to lying down on my lap. It doesn’t mean that The Incredibles is not incredible. It aims more toward older kids and adults. Of course, Pixel’s CG animation is nothing less than superior. On top of the mind-boggling action packed scenes, the terrific writing is what holds the film together. Every family has its own problem and the superhero is no exception. In the beginning the superhero kids (Dash and Violet) are fussing with each other but when trouble comes, they unite and help one another. With the family’s special superpower combined, they conquered their most dangerous enemy (the robot). Pixar studios have once again pushed their work to the limit with this film.

Both movies are highly recommended for family entertainment but if you have any five years old or under, you might not get to enjoy The Incredibles much. I had to make three trips during the movie to buy popcorn, buy drink, and take Samantha to the restroom. Still glad that I get to spent time with her, my adorable Sammy. Felt badly that I couldn’t take little Eric along. He was standing at the glass window watching us leave.

Zhang Yimou’s Hero is a master work of art. Naturally, the martial art is spectacular and the cinematography is visually gorgeous; however, what strikes me the most is the intriguing storyline. My jaw dropped at the end of the film. It’s such a clever piece of writing with an inspiring philosophy behind it. To be honest, I can’t think of anything to write down without spoiling it. So you will have to take my word for it and find out for yourself. Either you’ll get it or you don’t. Apparently, some Western audiences don’t get it.

In term of visual effects, Hero has plenty of them and I just love the way they play with colors and color schemes. Noticeably, the outfits from the characters compliment the scenes surrounding them. I’ve always been inspired by use of bright and rich colors by the Chinese art and this film is no exception. As far as computer-generated effects, the rain of arrows is quite impressive. Furthermore, the battle between Nameless (Jet Li) and Broken Sword (Tony Leung) is just amazing, especially the water drop effect.

In term of characters, Tony Leung gives an outstanding performance as a highly respectable swordsman. He has convinced me with his multidimensional talent. Zhang Ziyi is as striking beautiful as always and Jet Li is pretty much Jet Li.

If you love Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragons, you’ll adore Hero. If you enjoy martial arts and visual stimulations, you’ll appreciate Hero. As for my recommendation, I urge you to pay close attention to the storyline. So bookmark this page, go enjoy the experience then come back here and we’ll discuss.

Wow! Asian dude finally kisses a gorgeous girl and gets some sexual attentions on the big screen. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle is the door opening for Asian American actors to Hollywood. John Cho and Kal Penn had demonstrated their ability to play the roles of getting stoned as believable as Method Man and Redman without having to act hardcore.

I am not a big fan of teenage comedy films because of some over exaggerated silly jokes and this one is no exception; however, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle has touched lightly upon some serious issues about race in America. The White guys pick on the Asian guys; the racist cop harasses the minorities; the Black guy gets lock up for being Black. Even though these subjects are nothing new in Hollywood, they are interesting to see from the Asian American point of view.

Both John Cho and Kal Penn give an excellent performance. The chemistry between Cho and Penn helps holding up the comedy. The best line is when Kuma licks Harold’s face, “I have to try some gay shit to see if you wake up.” There is a funny and clever setup line by Harold, “Did Doogie Howser just steal my car?” Later on, Harold revisits the question with “Dude! Where is My Car?” which references to the director’s (Danny Leiner) first movie. Speaking of reference, there is also a citing of “Better Luck Tomorrow.”

Even though this film has some obnoxious humors such as the “Battleshits”, it has stands above most of the comedies this summer, especially teenage movies. This is also an important film for Asian Americans as we are stepping up into the big screen as lead roles without having to use Kung Fu.

Based on the novel of Vu Trong Phung, Giong To is a very dark and disturbing drama. It is still giving me a chill with its family affairs. The film is set in the early 1910; therefore, it is a despicable toward women. They are raped, bought and shared like sex toys. The conflicts are quite complex and distressful. Of course, the critical themes are involving sex, power, and revenge. Even though the overall acting is not so bad, I am not finding this film to be enjoyable. On the contrary, I find the topics to be unsettling. The sexual content, the language usage, and the subject are quite explicit so keep this film away from your children.

Whenever I watch a film on Viet Nam war, the focus is never on the communist. They always hide in the shadow and I never get to understand their point of views. With Nguoi Dep Tay Do, I get to see their strategies and operations. I don’t care much about political issues, I just enjoy the acting and the undeniable beauty of Viet Trinh.

The story takes place in the 40s during the controlling of the French. The film revolves around Bach Cuc (Viet Trinh). A beautiful lady who gives up her love and sacrifices her life for her country. As an early age, Bach Cuc was married into a rich family that was arranged by her grandmother. Bach Cuc was mistreated by her in law family and abused by her husband. These horrific scenes will make your tears drop. Later, a member of the Viet Minh (communist) protected her and took her out of misery situation; therefore, she decided to join the Viet Minh. Because of her striking beauty and fluency in French, she was assigned to work undercover where she met an interpreter Hoang Thai (Don Duong who also casted in We Were Soldiers along with Mel Gibson). Together they gathered inside information from the French and provided to the Viet Minh to help setting up attacks.

Along with the cast, both Viet Trinh and Don Duong give convincing performances but the work of Le Cung Bac (director), Tram Huong (screenwriter), and Nguyen Ho (writer) cannot go unnoticed, especially the clever references to the war. Nguoi Dep Tay Do is a communist film but if you can get pass the political point of view, it is quite a moving motion picture.