This movie made me laugh out loud. For that alone it gets my vote. It has a witty script, with more than a nod to Woody Allen along the way. The wonderful Ken Leung as Liam carries this movie on his very able shoulders and keeps the viewer watching throughout. I am not Asian or Asian-American, so I cannot comment as to whether or not this film accurately portrays the Asian or Asian-American experience. However, issues of isolation, family alienation, a desire for connection romantically are common to us all, so for me the film works. I like romantic comedy with a serious side, and I found that in Shanghi Kiss. On the negative side, the female lead is stereotypical, which was disappointing, hence my rating of 6. I would have liked the female lead to have as much depth and charm as Mr. Leung's character Liam, but she does not. This weakens the film. I would have liked to see more of Liam's father in the film. We hear about his mother, and again I want the same balance for both characters. Regardless of these reservations though, I recommend this film.
Review of Shanghai Kiss
