 | |
List Price: $24.98 | | Label: Hbo Home Video
Salesrank: 49779
Released: July 21, 2009 |
| Our Price: $18.12 |
| Used Price: $12.79 |
|
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
|
Editorial Review:
An Irish funeral has whats called a wake; a Jewish funeral has whats called sitting shiva; and a traditional Chinese funeral is something else entirely -- which is what the estranged siblings of a Westernized Chinese-American family discover as they try to fulfill their mothers last wish. Starring Steph Song (Dragon Boys, Everythings Gone Green), Kelly Hu (X-Men 2), Bai Ling, Talia Shire (Rocky), Russell Wong (The Joy Luck Club, Romeo Must Die), Julia Nickson, Chang Tseng and Lisa Lu.
Dim Sum Funeral Reviews:
Not about food so much 
2009-10-26 - This was an enjoyable film that examined the dynamics of a varied group of family members dealing with the death of a loved one. Sadly though, I was hoping for something more along the lines of "Like Water for Chocolate" or "Chocolate" or "Eat Drink Man Woman". I wanted to see Chinese culture as experienced around the dining table. Still, all in all, I'm not sorry about this purchase.
BIG THUMBS DOWN 
2009-08-18 - I rented this thinking it would be an interesting subject on American-Chinese tradition here in the U.S. But I was wrong, it was a total disappointment. The story and its sub-plots are too contrived. The script is very formulaic; even adding a twist at the ending was typical and intentional - just so for audiences who likes a twist in their movies. Any viewer wouldn't get involved watching this film. Basically this is about a group Chinese-American siblings who has hang-ups with themselves and among each others. Set in the affluent neighborhood of San Francisco, it portrays an embarrassingly rich family by showing the amenities of the matriarch's sprawling extravagant house. Tennis, a dip in the pool, jacuzzi anyone? Jeez! I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone.
Cute, but Predictable
2009-07-31 - Three daughters and one son, from a family with strained relations, return home for their mother's funeral. You can guess what happens by the end. This took from "Kingdom Come," "The Joy Luck Club," and "Soul Food." There may be some "Tortilla Soup" in here as well. Still, I love seeing actors of color getting jobs and making that money. I do think many will relate to the family tensions here.
For decades, I've thought Russell Wong was a major hottie. Lately, his films have been very poor, so I was very happy to see him in a decent film. Bai Ling is in this too, and I just love that Asian Angelina Jolie. Unfortunately, I couldn't suspend my disbelief for one character. The eldest daughter was supposed to have two Chinese parents, yet she had green eyes and light skin. Why not wear color contacts or get an actress who looks like she could be a part of this family?
In many a film, interracial love is treated only or gay love is treated only. This film showed lesbian love and interracial love in the same house. In many a house of color, there may be more than one child who doesn't have a same-race-opposite-sex partner. Many adults of color have lots of romantic options and this film illustrates that.
