East bay is a funny, quirky, and heartwarming film that explores people's relationships with friends, family, and above all themselves through the eyes of a struggling film maker. When Jack (39) looses the few things in life that make him truly happy, he is forced to question his purpose in life. He feels like he is just a good for nothing, haggard Middle aged man. The story weaves in between reality and surrealism. By the end of the story, each person unravels and their flaws and true character are exposed. Every main character in the movie has a uniquely different personality and each actor did a great job balancing what is real, what is thought, and what is just for the camera.
6 Reviews
One of my top 10 films of all time. Yes, that amazing!
jpwynn24 October 2022
This is an absolute masterpiece of a film. I have watched 1000+ movies in my life and this is first time I am reviewing one online. It is that wonderful. I laughed, I cried...multiple times. So heartfelt. The acting is phenomenal. Constance Wu is off the charts charismatic. The entire cast did such an amazing job. I cannot emphasize that enough. His parents were so cute! I was blown away. This film just works. I'm not sure how critics will describe or categorize this. But, see for yourself. I'm surprised I'm the first review here. When people see this of all ages and races, I'm so convinced others will agree. It is transcendent and touches on universal themes. Thought provoking, funny, hard to categorize really. It was wonderfully written and paced. So brilliant! The director, main actor, writer Daniel Yoon has created a masterpiece. So much heart! The last movie I enjoyed so much was Ladybird. Previous to that was You Can Count on Me when I saw that 22 years ago in theaters. Similarly, a small movie people had not really heard of. Bottom line: make sure people have access to the film. And watch it!
Funny & Deep - Best Movie I've Seen in A WHILE
dlocokid16 May 2024
On my gods, this was a phenomenal film. GREAT actors, of course, but it's been a WHILE since a film has stuck to me like this. In every conversation I've had this week, I've mentioned the film.
If you have these questions - what the hell we're doing here? What are we supposed to do with our lives? Why does the world feel nutty? It's a masterfully woven & edited film that feels complex, but lands on simplicity; taking on existentialism & the burden of being happy with LOVE being the antidote to cynicism.
Def a must see for every child of immigrants. These writers/filmmakers did some serious magic. Funny & Deep.
If you have these questions - what the hell we're doing here? What are we supposed to do with our lives? Why does the world feel nutty? It's a masterfully woven & edited film that feels complex, but lands on simplicity; taking on existentialism & the burden of being happy with LOVE being the antidote to cynicism.
Def a must see for every child of immigrants. These writers/filmmakers did some serious magic. Funny & Deep.
Hilarious and Thoughtful Gem
mtpapt5 May 2024
Saw this at the Angelika in NYC. Didn't know what to expect aside from Constance Wu (who's awesome) as the star. I was completely taken by the irreverent and intelligent humor, raw and honest dialogue, and interesting characters. It was part contemplation on the big questions in life, the pressures to be successful and happy that Asian American immigrants face, and a showcase of non-stereotypical Asian American roles. Despite the film being very focused on the Asian immigrant experience, I found it very relatable because the themes and humor transcend lots of different categories.
After the film ended, the director/writer/lead actor Daniel Yoon and two actors (Kavi and Sam) gave a talk and answered questions for about an hour. That was equally interesting and fun to hear about the creative process and the work that went into it. Daniel mentioned that principle photography took place way back in 2010, because Constance Wu became famous for Crazy Rich Asians and Fresh Off the Boat. So you see her in excellent form in this little indie film before stardom, which is really cool. The other leads (Kavi, Sam, Daniel) also gave phenomenal performances. I can't wait to see the next film by this guy.
After the film ended, the director/writer/lead actor Daniel Yoon and two actors (Kavi and Sam) gave a talk and answered questions for about an hour. That was equally interesting and fun to hear about the creative process and the work that went into it. Daniel mentioned that principle photography took place way back in 2010, because Constance Wu became famous for Crazy Rich Asians and Fresh Off the Boat. So you see her in excellent form in this little indie film before stardom, which is really cool. The other leads (Kavi, Sam, Daniel) also gave phenomenal performances. I can't wait to see the next film by this guy.
Life, love, laughs, and... hockey?
scpc-4040213 May 2024
East Bay feels like an epic film. Although made on a minuscule budget, there is non-stop action in the journey taken by the main character, Jack Lee, as he tries and "fails" to honour the sacrifice of his ancestors and immigrant parents. And also seeks the answers to meaning of life, along with a cast of fascinating and different characters. You see his stumbles in career, relationships, and film projects, and also hear his thoughts and experiernce his fantasies. This is a film jam-packed with humor, emotion, philosophy, feeling and also charm. It's filmed in some beautiful settings and set to an equally rich soundtrack. On top of that there are hockey scenes which serve to further illuminate the characters and how they relate to each other, in a way that I've never seen before. It's brilliant!
I've watched this a couple times at its theatrical launch in Toronto, and each time I get more of an appreciation for the fine writing and construction of this intricate film, of how all of its many elements fit together, as also for the performances of the main characters. Constance Wu in particular gives a wide-ranging yet subtle performance, beautifully done.
It's hard to believe this is an independent film that was self-financed. Although the fact that it took more than 10 years to complete (as explained in the Q&A after the launch) does partly explain the richness of the editing.
To be sure, this is not a film for the casual goer, but for those seeking something beyond classification that Hollywood can't or won't produce, devoid of all cliches, they will be richly rewarded.
I've watched this a couple times at its theatrical launch in Toronto, and each time I get more of an appreciation for the fine writing and construction of this intricate film, of how all of its many elements fit together, as also for the performances of the main characters. Constance Wu in particular gives a wide-ranging yet subtle performance, beautifully done.
It's hard to believe this is an independent film that was self-financed. Although the fact that it took more than 10 years to complete (as explained in the Q&A after the launch) does partly explain the richness of the editing.
To be sure, this is not a film for the casual goer, but for those seeking something beyond classification that Hollywood can't or won't produce, devoid of all cliches, they will be richly rewarded.
I felt seen
waypastkewl27 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I don't quite know how to describe my feelings for the film in a concise paragraph, so I do apologize for rambling and if this gets too convaluted. This will be how I describe the feelings I feel toward this film, but tl;dr: I liked it. I felt seen.
As an Asian American child of an immigrant father who brought his entire family over from poverty in the Philippines, and a first generation AA mother, I've lived a middle-class okay comfortable life in my small town in the Bay Area. I did not expect to feel so "seen" in more ways than one in this film. I found myself not just relating to Jack, but to the others as well. Sara's constant struggle with expectation, perspective, and hope. Tim and Stuart's refusal to acknowledge their coping mechanisms and how it affects their lives, be it mentally or emotionally. Vivanti's need for acceptance and to be seen and included. Even Beth's performative personality and struggle for stability. Though I feel she was supposed to come across as antagonistic because we find sympathy in the protagonist Jack, I found myself pitying her as well because I've spent a majority of my life performing just to be accepted. Struggling to get a word in and be seen and acknowledged because I've always felt I had to- whether it was to cosplay as a normal functioning human being or an equal among those around me as I live. To me, each character was written very well, if "well" is measured in if an audience member (in this case: me) sympathized with them or not. I absolutely loved how it didn't even feel like a movie on the screen where we waited for the guy to catch the girl, or for the big superhero entrance, or the big ensemble meetup with a twist and turn, etc, but rather more like someone brought a camera along to film this guy's life and the people around him as he (and ultimately everyone around him) struggles with the concept of just...existing, really.
The concept of existing is something I personally struggle with more and more lately, much less being successful and comfortable in the Bay Area. I was too afraid of failure to pursue dreams of being on the screen or stage, or try to have my voice in a video game or anime or anything. Today I struggle with finding something- anything -that can afford a life that supports a family as I work part time at an animal rescue center. Like any other moviegoer, I enjoy the superhero films, the comedies, the big blockbuster opening with rave reviews, etc, but sometimes there are just movies where I know I want to experience it as a form of escapism from what I believe to be my failed life. Living in comparison to my former peers and especially my cousins, all having semi-successful to comfortable lifestyles and careers, while I remember a young me telling my father not to worry because I'll have moved out of the house by 26 and I'll have a child on the way. I am now 30 on 31, and I struggle with regret at never shooting my shot, but then I'm too afraid to even create things like I used to in fear of rejection and ultimately: failure. Failure on a multifaceted perspective, really.
By the conclusion of the film I felt like someone had told me that it was okay to feel like I'm failing, and that it was okay to feel sad about it. We're all just kind of existing and getting by, even those of us who are experiencing success and recognition (even for the most simplest or even asinine reasons or contributions) and it brings me some form of solace to not feel so alone in that fact, if even for just a little bit.
My hope is that others can experience this film and write down what it made them feel, and if they felt the overwhelming weight of the real world calling them to come back, I want them to know that it's valid to feel alone. This film isn't for the regular everyday moviegoer, and it definitely doesn't feel like a first date film. But every viewing experience is valid. I don't think it is a perfect film, I don't think it will have kids wanting to dress up as any of the characters for Halloween or the next cosplay at a convention or anything like that. But I feel it's a special film. I hope people like it, because I liked it quite a lot.
Thank you for the film, Daniel. I look forward to what you create next.
As an Asian American child of an immigrant father who brought his entire family over from poverty in the Philippines, and a first generation AA mother, I've lived a middle-class okay comfortable life in my small town in the Bay Area. I did not expect to feel so "seen" in more ways than one in this film. I found myself not just relating to Jack, but to the others as well. Sara's constant struggle with expectation, perspective, and hope. Tim and Stuart's refusal to acknowledge their coping mechanisms and how it affects their lives, be it mentally or emotionally. Vivanti's need for acceptance and to be seen and included. Even Beth's performative personality and struggle for stability. Though I feel she was supposed to come across as antagonistic because we find sympathy in the protagonist Jack, I found myself pitying her as well because I've spent a majority of my life performing just to be accepted. Struggling to get a word in and be seen and acknowledged because I've always felt I had to- whether it was to cosplay as a normal functioning human being or an equal among those around me as I live. To me, each character was written very well, if "well" is measured in if an audience member (in this case: me) sympathized with them or not. I absolutely loved how it didn't even feel like a movie on the screen where we waited for the guy to catch the girl, or for the big superhero entrance, or the big ensemble meetup with a twist and turn, etc, but rather more like someone brought a camera along to film this guy's life and the people around him as he (and ultimately everyone around him) struggles with the concept of just...existing, really.
The concept of existing is something I personally struggle with more and more lately, much less being successful and comfortable in the Bay Area. I was too afraid of failure to pursue dreams of being on the screen or stage, or try to have my voice in a video game or anime or anything. Today I struggle with finding something- anything -that can afford a life that supports a family as I work part time at an animal rescue center. Like any other moviegoer, I enjoy the superhero films, the comedies, the big blockbuster opening with rave reviews, etc, but sometimes there are just movies where I know I want to experience it as a form of escapism from what I believe to be my failed life. Living in comparison to my former peers and especially my cousins, all having semi-successful to comfortable lifestyles and careers, while I remember a young me telling my father not to worry because I'll have moved out of the house by 26 and I'll have a child on the way. I am now 30 on 31, and I struggle with regret at never shooting my shot, but then I'm too afraid to even create things like I used to in fear of rejection and ultimately: failure. Failure on a multifaceted perspective, really.
By the conclusion of the film I felt like someone had told me that it was okay to feel like I'm failing, and that it was okay to feel sad about it. We're all just kind of existing and getting by, even those of us who are experiencing success and recognition (even for the most simplest or even asinine reasons or contributions) and it brings me some form of solace to not feel so alone in that fact, if even for just a little bit.
My hope is that others can experience this film and write down what it made them feel, and if they felt the overwhelming weight of the real world calling them to come back, I want them to know that it's valid to feel alone. This film isn't for the regular everyday moviegoer, and it definitely doesn't feel like a first date film. But every viewing experience is valid. I don't think it is a perfect film, I don't think it will have kids wanting to dress up as any of the characters for Halloween or the next cosplay at a convention or anything like that. But I feel it's a special film. I hope people like it, because I liked it quite a lot.
Thank you for the film, Daniel. I look forward to what you create next.
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