EssenceStory Well Deserved Praise

Reptileenbu Did you people see the same film I saw?

Doomtomylo a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

AnhartLinkin This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

ltlacey One, I am not some employee of any production company related to this movie. Second, I have no ulterior motives in raving about the movie. I just found the story very interesting and moving, even if at times the script was a bit contrived. What we have is well-to-do teenager with her own set of problems (arguing parents, boyfriend pushing her to have sex), and then we get a glimpse of the life of a teenager who has not only cultural issues that make her life totally different, but a physical deformity that causes her a lot of hardships. Sometimes those of us who lead a more privileged life forget that for the majority of those on this planet life is not about what TV program to watch, Facebook, and what to wear on a date. This movie was more than just promoting what is a great program (Doctors Without Borders, etc.), but what it is like to be a teenager, and then realizing that one needs to grow up, then doing so.

bptr-1 It's funny. The first 3/4 of this film is pretty mediocre. But it works so well as a set-up for the very powerful last part of the film which just knocks you over! Really. I was watching most of the movie just trying to enjoy the Malibu and China scenery because the rest seemed, as another reviewer said, like an after-school special.I was not prepared to cry uncontrollably for the last 10 minutes straight. Watching the transformation of Katie before our eyes makes it all worthwhile. This girl (Mika Boorem) gives a very fine performance. Cheri Oteri is perfect for the part too and the father daughter (Luoyong Wang and Yi Ding) are great (although the English is a little unbelievable).I still don't know if the first part of the film was carefully crafted to achieve the end effect, but I guess it doesn't matter because I left feeling really good.

raincityslicka This film is noteworthy: beautiful cinematography, super performance by many of the Chinese actors, and a great message. Some of the scenes seem a little unrealistic, but the movie compels me to charitable action -- that and great cinematography make for a worthwhile film.The film creates an interesting comparison between a 17-year-old girl, Katie, from affluent L.A., and her counterpart, Lin, a girl of exactly the same age, from rural China. Their friendship will hopefully lead other young people to travel, to give of themselves and to form their own cross-cultural relationships. I enjoyed listening to Director Jeffrey Kramer's notes, which give a whole new set of insights into several aspects of the film. First, being filmed in rural China, the film captures innumerable authentic elements of the culture, which Kramer points out. Second, Kramer talks about the many intercultural, interpersonal relationships going on behind the scenes in this film. Finally, as Kramer mentions more than once, the movie touches interestingly on the one-child policy in China and how it affects families. Some of the performances, especially on the Malibu side, seem a bit of a stretch from reality. However, on the Shanghai side, the performance by the actors playing Lin and her family are superb. Despite some of the aspects of the screenplay which seem to stretch realism, overall the intercultural aspects, cinematography and charitable cause make this one worth watching -- and being changed by.

andilea I didn't hear about this movie at all. I was walking through Movie Gallery and came across this movie. I initially noticed Sean Astin's name so I picked it up. I then realized that the movie was based on OPERATION SMILE. I had to rent the movie then. Operation Smile is an organization that goes to third world countries and does facial reconstructive surgery on children. I personally think this is amazing. The movie captured the heart-rending pain that physically deformed children go through. It captured the love the parents had for those children and the sacrifices that they go through. It also captured Katie's journey from selfish spoiled little brat to someone who thinks about somebody else for a change. It showed her compassion bloom and it was a very pleasant movie to watch. I heartily recommend it.