Better Luck Tomorrow
A Film by Justin Lin
Never underestimate an overachiever. To his classmates and teachers, high-schooler Ben Manibag (Parry Shen) appears to be the "model" student: a perfectionist and overachiever, destined for nothing less than graduating at the top of his class and then attending a prestigious college. But underneath the persona is a darker side-Ben and his bored high-school buddies lead double lives, flying high in a world of petty crime and material excess in order to ease the pressures of "being perfect". It's a free-wheeling lifestyle that soon takes a downward spiral, leading to an unexpected end. An Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival, Better Luck Tomorrow is a gripping, edgy and provocative film that rips tranquil, well-manicured facade off of middle-class and cultural stereotypes.
Member Reviews
Good and Bad at the same time - xYJx
SPOILERS AHEAD:
For me, this film got even more interesting AFTER the climax had happened. It essentially ends where Very Bad Things (1998) begins. I really wanted to see what happened to the characters after it ends. Which can be good and bad at the same time.
Not a bad indie low budget, but not a "must-see". And yes, Seeing Asian Americans is a refreshing breath of air. Highly Recommended for art house crowd.Edgy and interesting - eoguy
It takes skill to portray style and attitude without going over the top. Tarantino has struggled with the trick in most of his films, usually coming out successfully. Justin Lin manages to emerge unscathed in his first solo shot at directing. Better Luck Tomorrow is so subtle in its personality that it's effect is easy to miss. But it's there for the naked eye, woven amongst the film's aesthetics and character development.
The movie reads like an insecure high schooler's yearbook. While its intentions are fully on display, Better Luck Tomorrow can't help but seem a little innocent about the whole filmmaking process. That unique feeling comes from Lin's virgin position in the director's chair and a cast of mainly inexperienced leads. Together they create a story that, while not playing in the realm of realistic developments or consequences, raises several issues about today's youth.
Tobin steals the show from the first scene. Though in reality that actor is in his mid-twenties, his character consistently convinces us he's not a day over seventeen. His reckless barrage of violent, vulnerable and immature emotions personify teenage angst.
The appeal of this film is universal, even though it's a North American-based conflict. While the story may seem like a Hollywood cliché, the script takes it to different places, avoiding the action or police chase flick hiding somewhere in this idea. The cast is comprised entirely of Asian-American actors, an extremely rare occurrence in American cinema, never mind a studio release.
The presence of a minority group is ultimately what created this film in the first place. It was an independent picked up by MTV Films on the festival circuit. The result is low-budget film value that cuts any unneeded corners. Those corners are a name-cast, big sets and anything out of the ordinary. The result is a character study about high school rebellion, parental presence (or lack thereof) and the repercussions of petty cGreat Effort - kav2001c
Excellent coming of age story of Chinese teens in America
They of course dont fit in anywhere (like any teens ever do)
They lie, cheat, and steal
And of course, the hero falls in love with a beautiful girl that he can never have (heh in an ironic twist, she is at least as smart as he is also! Usually the "Ill help with your homework" is how the geek always gets his shot in these kind of movies)
All goes well until one night at a party
After they get roughed up, the less stable friend sees the power he can have if he uses a gun
Member Reviews
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Good and Bad at the same time - xYJx
SPOILERS AHEAD:
For me, this film got even more interesting AFTER the climax had happened. It essentially ends where Very Bad Things (1998) begins. I really wanted to see what happened to the characters after it ends. Which can be good and bad at the ...Edgy and interesting - eoguy
It takes skill to portray style and attitude without going over the top. Tarantino has struggled with the trick in most of his films, usually coming out successfully. Justin Lin manages to emerge unscathed in his first solo shot at directing. Better Luck Tomorrow ...Great Effort - kav2001c
Excellent coming of age story of Chinese teens in America
They of course dont fit in anywhere (like any teens ever do)
They lie, cheat, and steal
And of course, the hero falls in love with a beautiful girl that he can never have (heh in an ironic ...