FilmSnobReviews

Title: Blue Bayou
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Justin Chon
Starring:Justin Chon, Alicia Vikander, Sydney Kowalske
Runtime: 1 hr 57 mins

What It Is: Antonio LeBlanc (Chon) despite his name is a Korean-born Asian-American. His wife Kathy (Vikander) and step-daughter Jessie (Kowalske) are 100% American. So when Louisiana raised Antonio gets into some trouble he isn’t arrested. He’s sent to a country that he doesn’t know. A place that isn’t his home. Before he’s shipped out though he’ll learn lessons about the true meaning of what it is to be an American. What it means to love something so much you’ll give up anything. It’s about a culture that’s foreign to him even if it is his own.

What We Think: At its emotional core, Blue Bayou is a film that will rip you in two. It assuredly is a tale as old as our country itself and one with solid contemporary messaging. Chon is brilliant. Not just in front of the camera but behind it as well. It’s one of the most deftly directed pieces 2021 has to offer. Emotional havoc gets wrought that won’t be easily adjusted. This is  simply put one of my favorite films of 2021. One that grabbed me by the strings of my heart and played them like a harp. Vikander, who didn’t need the proof, continues to prove she’s an absolute treasure in front of camera.

Our Grade: A, If you’re down for one of 2021’s best cinematic experiences then this is a film for you. Bring the tissues as this does not skimp on emotions. Everything so excellently coalesing together to form a full-fleshed out piece. One that Chon directs the hell out of. One that many will put on the best of list for this year. Fingers crossed. Heartbreaking, beautiful and emotionally charged I cannot recommend this one more highly.