PARTY explores modern Asian-America through the prism of New York's Asian party scene. PARTY focuses on the vibrant Korean party scene in Manhattan's Koreatown at 32nd Street. It features narration by Prof. Gary Okihiro (C... more »olumbia University) who comments on the current state of Asian-America. The filmmakers also focus on the controversial Tsunami Song, highlighting the effect of the racially-charged song on the Asian party scene. What does this scene say about Asian-American identity? SPECIAL FEATURES: 16x9 Anamorphic Presentation, Wide Screen, Chapter Selections, Audio Commentary, Director's Interview, Original Soundtrack, Still Gallery« less
"There are many similarities to the asian american experience to the Hispanic experience: Shame, feeling like you live in two worlds, and some infrequent difficulting relating to the "outsider." This film is a great teaching tool for racial reconciliation, and to get to know your culture of your asian american neighbors. I can't wait till Hsueh and Hahn's next film!!!!"
Impressive work
BIRDIE | Austin, TX | 02/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You can tell the director's spent a great deal of time and energy in researching this topic. Although this movie is focused primarily in NY, this occurs in every asian culture around the US, even here in TX. The movie does a great job showing the behind-the-scenes view of what really goes on in these parties that most people don't realize. It was an eye-opener and made me sympathize with the main characters struggle in life and acceptance. I look forward to the director's future projects..."
Debut film hits its mark
Brian Chu | NY, NY | 02/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The filmmakers, Steven and Francis, hit their mark with their debut film, Party. Party unpacks the "Asian" party scene in New York city. We enter the exclusive clubs, meet the people, and learn about their lives and motivations. Amidst this dizzying introduction to a scene of which most non-Asians are unaware, some partygoers reveal startlingly candid feelings about why come those these parties, what they're seeking, and many comment on their place as an Asian minority in America. The results are often unexpected and fracture many of our preconceived notions. Still, one parent, an immigrant from the 60s, remarks, "nothing much has changed, as far as I can see." Others are more banal and some appear even quite sad and pathetic. All in all, the filmmakers don't make any judgments but neither do they pull any punches. Everything is exposed, warts and all.
The cinematography, editing, score are uniformly excellent. Sometimes, I couldn't believe that this was their first film. I hear they are currently in production on their next film, a feature film set in New York city. If Party is any indication, these guys have a good future ahead of them.
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Narrative and thoughtful... this film connects
Jason Gaboury | NYC | 02/16/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The striking elements of this film, besides the sheer skillfulness of it's photography, are its narratives. It focuses on a few individuals and shares their stories against the backdrop of interesting questions about ethnicity, class, community, and identity. This film connects at an emotional level evoking a powerful response."
First effort for filmmakers, but you wouldn't know it.
S. Weiss | NY | 02/15/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"While this may be Hahn and Hsueh's first foray into filmmaking, PARTY hardly comes across as an amateur effort. The subject matter, interviews, cinematography, original music and editing of this documentary kept me interested throughout. Documenting a piece of the party scene for Korean and Chinese Americans in New York, PARTY explores a topic that I believe has not been covered in documentary film. It was enlightening and interesting for me as an individual who has not experienced this world. For those at the screening I attended who *are* familiar with the scene, it clearly struck a chord (for better and for worse), a mark of a worthwhile work of art."