Chu and Blossom (Charles Chu, Gavin Kelly, 2014): USA

Reviewed by Poya Salari. Viewed at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2014.

Chu and Blossom was the second film I saw at the SBIFF 2014, the day after the opening night. I did not know much about the film before viewing it, as I had not heard of it before. However, after reading about the film’s plot, Chu and Blossom sounded interesting enough for me choosing to see this film ahead of the many other films playing at the same time. I do not regret making that decision.

The film tells the story of Joon (Charles Chu), a Korean foreign-exchange student upon his arrival in the U.S.
Having issues with the language and a very tall height, Joon moves in with a small town type American family. Early on Joon meets the colorful and charismatic Butch Blossom (Ryan O’Nan). The two form a solid friendship and make a great duo. However, with pressure from his family back home, Joon starts doubting himself and everything around him. He also meets a girl, perfectly named Cherry Swade (Caitlin Stasey), whom he eventually falls for.

The story is simple and I would not call it the most unpredictable film either. Sure, the film has its clichés and we have seen this type of story before. But I think you need to take it for what it is, and if you do, you might enjoy it. I certainly did. The film’s strength lies in its characters and the amount of heart that was put in while making this film. You really sense passion while watching this sweet and entertaining movie.

The lead, Joon, is played by the co-writer and co-director, Charles Chu. Even though his acting isn’t the most outstanding of performances, he still does an okay job. His co-stars Caitlin Stasey and especially Ryan O’Nan however, give more heartwarming and funnier performances. We also see more well known faces in smaller roles, with the likes of Alan Cumming, Richard Kind and Melanie Lynskey, all making memorable appearances. Alan Cumming in particular, is stealing the show in every frame he appears in.

Chu and Blossom is what it is, and it is pretty simple but very enjoyable. The camerawork and the editing is not extraordinary, and the directing and the screenplay are good enough for everything to work. The film has some cool FX shots worth mentioning as well. The film in general however, is passionate. And I think it has a lot to do with the actors, whom bring everything to life. You feel a sense of some sort of community when watching these people. I would really recommend Chu and Blossom, if you don’t expect a groundbreaking masterpiece of a film, but instead take it for what it is. That is, a heartwarming and funny independent drama-comedy with memorable performances.