some people in these forums need to chill out. seriously, you guys sound like you're going to have a heart attack over this issue.

THE TRUTH IS THAT ALL OF YOU WHO SPECULATE ABOUT THE MOVIE EVEN JUSTIN LIN ARE ALL OFF. JUST BECAUSE YOU WENT TO SUNNY HILLS OR LIVE IN FULLERTON DOESNT MEAN YOU KNOW THE TRUE FACTS OUTSIDE THE MEDIA.

FIRST OF ALL I AM NOT ASIAN. SECOND OF ALL I AM A FORMER MEMBER OF A GANG CALLED "SARZANA" IN CERRITOS. THIS JUST HAPPENED TO BE THE GANG THAT MUN KANG WAS FROM. YES, MUN WAS A BONAFIDE GANGMEMBER. WE CALLED HIM "FLACO". NOW SARZANA WAS KIND OF LIKE THE FULLERTON GANG "LVM" FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO REMEMBER.NOW ME AND MUN WERE CLOSE I MEAN SO CLOSE THAT WE WOULD GO OUT AND ROB TOGETHER O REALL JUST PURSE SNATCH. I KNOW YOUR THINKING MUN DIDNT NEED THE MONEY BUT I DID SO HE HELPED ME. NOW IF YOU KNOW MUN HE HAD A HONDA ACCORD THAT WAS METALLIC GREY AND WE WOULD GO OUT AND DO SOME CRAZY THINGS. AND MUN WAS DOWN FOR HIS.WE WOULD KICK IT ALOT AT THE END OF 9TH STREET IN "EAST SIDE BUENA PARK GANG" AREA IN AN APARTMENT OUR BIG O.G. HOMIE HAD. AND WE HAD ALOT OF CRAZY TIMES. WELL, ANYWAYZ I ENDED UP GOING TO JAIL AND WAS TRANSFERED TO L.A. COUNTY JAIL AND SO I WOULD MAKE COLLECT CALLS TO FLACO (MUN)AND ON ONE PARTICULAR NIGHT I CALLED HIM HE COULD NOT AND WOULD NOT TALK TO ME. HE TOLD ME SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND SAID HE JUST COULD NOT TALK.NOW THIS WAS UNUSUAL FOR MUN BECAUSE HE USUALLY WOULDNT SHINE ME ON LIKE THAT. BUT I REMEMBER BEFORE I WENT TO THE PHONE TO CALL HIM THE NEWS HAD POSTED A PICTURE OF TAY AND THAT HE WAS MISSING AND HIS CAR WAS FOUND BUT NOT THE BODY YET. LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT WAS WHAT MUN WAS TRIPPING OFF. NOW AFTER THAT I DID NOT SPEAK TO HIM AGAIN BECAUSE AS YOU KNOW THEY FOUND THE BODY AND THEN THE ARRESTS AND ALL BUT A COUPLE OF YEARS LATER I GET ARRESTED FOR A STUPID PETTY THEFT AND GOT SENT ORANGE COUNTY JAIL AND I CAME BACK FROM COURT ON THE BUS FROM FULLERTON NORTH COURT AND AS THE DEPUTYS WERE PUTTING INMATES IN DIFFERENT CELLS THEY JUST HAPPEN TO PUT ME IN A CELL WITH ONE GUY IN THERE AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS MY HOMIE FLACO....MUN KANG. JUST ME AND HIM IN A CELL TOGETHER BY OURSELVES. TWO HOMEBOYS BACK TOGETHER AGAIN.
HE WAS PALE AND HIS ACNE PROBLEM THAT HE ALWAYS HAD REALLY GOT ALOT WORSE, PROBABLY BECAUSE OF ALL THE STRESS. BUT HE WAS STRONG. AS IF HE HAD GOTTEN USED TO WHERE HE WAS. I CANT SAY HE ACCEPTED WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN BUT HE WAS ALRIGHT. WE TALKED. I WAS HAPPY. HE WAS HAPPY. I WANTED TO STAY THERE WITH HIM FOR A WHILE LONGER. THIS WAS MY HOMIE AND I KNEW I WAS GOING HOME SOON BUT HE WAS NOT. WE CONTINUED TO TALK. THEN THE DEPUTYIES CAME TO CALL ME OUT. I GOT HIS BOOKING INFO SO I COULD WRITE HIM. AND THEN AS I LEFT I THINK I GAVE HIM A HOMIE HUG AND WALKED OUT WITH THE DEPUTY. DAMN, NOW THAT I REMEMBER IT REALLY HURTS. HE WAS YOUNG. WE WERE YOUNG.

I GOT RELEASED AND WROTE HIM AND THEN HE WROTE ME BACK AND THEN AFTER THAT I NEVER HEARD FROM HIM AGAIN.THE NEWS,THE PAPERS, THE MOVIE, I'VE SEEN IT
ALL. AND THATS ALL COOL. BUT TODAY I READ IN THIS THREAD THAT THE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE MURDERS WERE DEAD AND ONE BY A.I.D.S. CAN SOME ONE PLEASE TELL ME IS MY HOMIE O.K.? I DONT CONDONE OR EVEN MEAN TO GLORIFY WHAT MUN AND THE OTHER BOYS DID.
AND I DONT HATE ON JUSTIN FOR MAKING A PROFIT OFF OF IT. AND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE TAY FAMILY. BUT MUN WAS MY FRIEND AND I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF HE IS OK! HE HAS SUFFERED.EVERYBODY HAS SUFFERED.PLEASE POST A REPLY OR EMAIL ME WITH A YES OR NO.

THANKS
ON THIS THREAD IS EVEN WORSE BECAUSE MOST OF IT IS FROM THE NEWS OR POLICE REPORTS OR SOM B.S. ON HOW THEY TALKED TO THE DEFENDENTS. AND YES I AM NOT HATING ON JUSTIN, PLEASE GET YOUR MONEY HOMIE,
BUT HE REALLY DIDNT KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE INCIDENT OR CHARACTERS AS WELL AS HE PORTRAYED. HAD HE HAD KNOWN A LITTLE BIT MORE HE WOULD HAVE MADE HIS MOVIE A LITTLE MORE DEEPER.

I grew up in Buena Park, California. I remember the Stuart Tay murder well (I was 14 when it happened). While the kids who murdered Stuart Tay were wrong, so was HE. He stole computer parts and software and hung out with Vietnamese and mexican gangmembers (who were members of the theft ring). Justin had every right to make this film. I don't think He was trying as much to make money off the film as he was trying to relate the true facts of the asian community: the parents and the kids don't communicate. You rarely see asians (of any nationality with the exception of Phillipino's) spending much time with their teenage kids. Most teenagers (of any spectrum) don't spend much time with their parents, or relate what's happening in their lives. As an outsider looking in, this reality of life seems even more accurate with asian kids. I lived on Houston street (in Buena Park) for three years. By the time I moved there (in 1999) it has already been re-gentrified. The other streets in that neighborhood (particularly Thelma and Berry) were still as bad as they had been back in 1992. I beleive it was acutally on Thelma street, that the murder occured. Tay made a series of bad decisions and didn't care who HE hurt in the process. I feel bad for his family and for him. He did not deserve to die, but he did put himself in that position. The police are partly responsible too: not for Tay's murder, or for the actions of Tay's theft group, but for their refusal to take care of the gang members and other garbage in the city. They're always there to write you a ticket, but where are they when the "Territorial Hispanics" (AKA gangmembers) threaten people? for years Buena Park PD refused to even aknowledge they had gangs! 9th street area has had gangs for years and it's only gotten worse. BP needs to really crack down on this, and people need to communicate with their kids. WHEN this occurs, tragedys like Tay's will be lessened

This is totally sick. Justin Lin is using a horrible true event which he experienced as a socal resident and decided to get rich off the story. JUSTIN LIN: YOU ARE A DEGENERATE, to not consider how much more heartache and grief you caused Stuart Tay's family and friends in reliving the tragedy. YOU know that even the boys convicted of being accomplices were bystanders crying and hugging each other in fear and shock while Robert Chen killed Stuart. One of these innocent boys ended up dying of AIDS which he contracted in prison, can you guess how? This is a tragedy all around that no moral person would choose to PLAGIARIZE into a gd movie. IF YOU HAD ANY CONSCIENCE YOU'D GO INTO HIDING IN SHAME, JUSTIN LIN. MAking the devil's money feels good, do it?

i think it was a great movie. i had never known about the murders before seeing the movie. and i noticed it was filmed in my neighborhood

I went to sunny hills with every one involed except tay, I have not seen the movie. but I have a problem with the facts that were stated on all the post I've seen on here. I knew Abraham Acosta very well before the murderes, I was also locked up with him and kirn after the murders. Abraham was not the smartest guy in the world he couldn't even read and was misled by Chan who told him to dig the hole in the back yard so they could bury tay up to his neck and scare him because they thought he was a rat(someone that was going to tell on them)and when they got tay in the garage chan told Abraham to start beating tay or chan was going to kill him too chan had a gun. so Abraham hit tay to try to get him to run but then chan grabbed the sledge hammer and it was to late the other two boys stayed in the hallway huging each othere and crying. When they were done they ended up burying him in the shallow grave in the back yard which was shallow because it wasn't indented to be a grave. days afterwards Abraham told his neigbors that it was his dog burried in that hole but he didn't have a dog. The car was left in compton with the windows down and keys in it and by a stoke of luck it was stolen and stripped. the cops had no leads it was only after Tays parents hired a privet investigator that every thing came to light. All of this came from conversations I had with Abraham in jail. It's all really sad I remember Abraham when his mom would come visit they would just sit there and she would hold him and cry. There are many victims in this crime not just Tay the families of tay, abraham and the otheres have all suffered.

Hi,I am a student that has been a Sunny Hills High School student and am about to be a senior. My summer school teacher was telling our class of memories of this horrifying experience for not only SHHS, but also the city of Fullerton. I saw the movie today and watched it with both of my parents. It did seem to match the real life Tay murder and suprisingly this movie was really creepy. Not to say i didnt like the movie because i thought it was a pretty interesting film...i just think that everyone has 2 different views about it. You either like it or you dont... but im sure Lin's intention was'nt to hurt anyone and i doubt he made this film as a mockery to Sunny Hills or the people affected by this tragic event.I enjoyed the movie...but (again) that is just my own opinion:) **PEACE PEOPLE**

walang silbing review... babagsak pa ko dahil dayo lecheeeeeeee

If he has any decency left in him, Justin Lin should donate some of the profits to Robert Chan's family who practically went bankrupt on legal bills trying to defend him. Justin, hope you enjoy your champagne on the tears of someone else's misery.

Awesome film, not only I think so but my Latino and Caucasian friends thought so too. Why are we so caught up with the Stewart Tay case? Why cant we just enjoy it for the brutal truths.

I love Maan!

And furthermore, check out these articles from 1993:
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~froomkin/hrm.html

For anyone who doubts that BLT did the Stuart Tay case injustice, don't blindly support something just because it's Asian:

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE:
http://student.ucsf.edu/synapse/sectionview.jsp?section_id=5&document_id=360

DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH:
Look up articles on the event between 1993-1994, through online archives of the Los Angeles Times and Orange County Register (there are many). Not only will you find the murder plotline itself, but elements of the characters as well.

ny: how would you feel if it was a friend of yours that was depicted this way? How would you feel if you had to live through this and 10 years later witness a reinactment on the big screen, only to be told that what you were witnessing wasn't a reference to your murdered friend? Its like the end of the movie Chicago.... people forget sensational news soon after it happens.

wow you ignorant bastard. what gives you the right to criticize anyone. roger ebert? fuck he's got the credentials to criticize and he didn't. you're just some backwards upper middle class asshole who is complaining because you think the film is making fun of you. in trying so hard to sound intelligent, you seriously make an ass of yourself. if you hate it so much, shut your trap and move on. just cause you found one story on stuart tay, don't you think that shit happens everywhere? moron, just sit back in your 2 million dollar house in southern california and stop bitching and complaining because you can.

Never knew the Stuart Tay case. Nor did that take away the force of Lin's story on the coming of age for five young men driven to go beyond the margin. Each step from safety to ruin seems believable for these fenced in youth and -- dare we say -- to others in the audience? Then the film becomes a cautionary tale. Liberation from internalized walls is fleeting; dark passages ahead. Is this just Lin's lone outlook? Does it fit however loosely with other Asian Americans? BLT is a terrific narrative either way. The messenger ran a good journey and his message should be heard.

Below are comments to this article which have been moved over from the old site. Enjoy! -- Editor
__________________________________________

Name: question

why are YOU GUYS wasting your time reading these posts then? and what does this have to do with President Bush? what exactly has he been lying to the people about?
05/12/03 17:06
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Name: ben

d, you need to chill out. why are you taking pride in bashing justin lin? do you have a job, a hobby, perhaps a toy to play with? i'm sick and tired of seeing your bitter letter to justin lin posted in every damn website on the internet. you claim that you are just trying to gain honesty out of him, correct? first off, it is highly disputable whether or not he is lying. secondly, does it even matter? and thirdly, shouldn't you be more concerned about people with greater power lying to us? i don't see you debating every breath george bush takes. chill out and relax. maybe you should go to the movies.
05/10/03 06:26
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Name: a "plea" to D.

Backlash much, D.? I think you've made your point. But what I don't see is why you're wasting your time and energy posting angry emails about this rather than actually doing something to right this so-called wrong? If the problem is that not enough people know about the Tay case to connect it with the movie then why don't you make it known to those people?
05/10/03 01:24
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Name: a plea to Mr. Lin

thanks D. from So Cal. that was a tremendous job of encapsulating what has transpired. trust me, your sentiments are felt by all of those who resided in OC/So Cal during the unfortunate incident. we beg you justin, if you have a decent bone in your body, please step forward and reveal the truth. your fans deserve it, the people of orange county deserve it, and most importantly, the asian american movement deserves it.
05/09/03 21:05
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Name: from So Cal

An open letter to Justin Lin and his fans who've been duped: You did your best to fool America. You were encouraged by your reception at Sundance; a bunch of elitist white film critics who didn't know the truth. You got Roger Ebert, that venerable Chicago critic to defend your right to be bold and daring. You thought to yourself, well, almost a decade has passed; maybe no one remembers. Then the blitz started. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of insecure Asian- American kids from across the country got wind of the film. So the grass roots campaign starts. You write the above letter. Parry writes another letter, asking for Asians to participate in this "truly historic moment." Word of mouth grows; the bandwagon gets crowded. But then something strange happens. Some of us So Cal natives who were in high school or college in the early 1990s see the film, and as the denouement approaches, an uneasy memory resurrects. The details are too similar to be coincidence. The m.o. -- truth stranger than fiction. So we walk out of the theater, bothered. We check out the BLT website, the fan pages, the yahoo groups, trying to find some candor to assuage that brewing anger. There's nothing. There's only lies. There's your lie that the film is only "loosely" based on the Stuart Tay murder. There's your lie that you don't really remember much about the details of it. There's your cowardice in refusing to acknowledge the source of the distinctive sequence of your film. And this is the great irony of it all, in my opinion: In trying your best to be an original break through artist, you could not, try as you might, resist that Orange County asian-american inbred and inculcated instinct (and we all know what that is) -- so you did what came naturally, and perhaps inevitably: you plagiarized; you copied; you cheated; you tried to take credit for something you didn't do. Like most plagiarists, you hoped that the dust would settle and nobody would notice. After all, what the hell does Roger Ebert know about Stuart Tay? What the hell do the bigwigs at Sundance and MTV know? What does Parry Shen, a NY native know? What do asian- americans on the east coast, midwest, and northwest know? But this is what you failed to anticipate: that those of us in SoCal in the early 1990s can never forget the Stuart Tay incident, even its very intimate details. So despite the praise from all the insecure asian-ams around the country, finally delighting to see an asian face on the big screen, those of us growing up in So Cal, as reflected on the posts below, can see through the farce and charade. And we are calling you on it. And this is our criticism: not that you based it on the Stuart Tay murder, but that YOU DO NOT HAVE THE INTEGRITY TO ADMIT IT!!! Rather, you continue to bask in the praise of your "original", "daring", and "bold" film, without BEING HONEST ABOUT IT. That is what bothers so many of us deeply. And if this is the asian-am precedent, that even our first "break through" film director pulled off the film with the classic orange county asian-american patented heist of cheating and copying, well, then, perhaps its only a fitting legacy for you to have. Sincerely yours, D. from So Cal
05/09/03 14:46
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Name: Hypo Man

Imagine if I made a film in 2013 about Rick and Liana Johnson. Rick is having an affair with another woman in the central valley. For some reason I make up, Rick decides to murder the pregnant Liana. And the movie depicts Rick pull out a saw and remove her hands and head and dump her in the water, all in very graphic detail. Oh, yeah, and make it happen on Christmas Eve. What would people think? Good idea?
05/09/03 01:51
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Name: aGirL

The movie was pretty decent. As the first Asian-American film at this level, pretty worth watching. To all of the people commenting on Stuart Tay's murder, yes, yes, yes... Movies that make it to the big screen in a nation driven by capitalism all have some underlying purpose. So to all of the negative feedback, based that they are an attack that the storyline is based on a true story... I understand the anger here, and I agree. But what is missing is that there may be some OTHER purpose in allowing a director, or any director for that matter... to air a film thats main purpose is to touch a nerve in the asian-american community. Think about it... Everything is screened and prescreened a dozen times before the public is allowed to let something infect their mind. So lets have some peace here and not have repeat posts on the fact that the storyline is an unoriginal. Lets think deeper to spark our intelligent minds, to find the true underlying reasons for all the hype and exposure in mainstream American media for this film. In other words, what does this movie represent and what is Uncle Sam wanting us to see and want Asian- Americans of today portrayed as??? Just a thought...
05/09/03 01:33
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Name: Mal
E-mail: mnmprincess040@yahoo.com

I saw Better Luck Tomorrow and I must say, the movie was GREAT. It was filmed at my high school which drew me to the film, but it was very good, i really recommend it to anyone and everyone, good job on the movie!
05/05/03 20:53
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Name: kurtis bonzell
E-mail: kbonzell@aol.com

Way to go Justin! You're living your dream and will continue to work on films that truly interest you. Don't worry about the "Hollywood Machine", it can'ttouch you or your spirit!!! Fly like an eagle - we're the wind beneath your wings!!! Sincerely, Kurtis Bonzell Actor & Inspired Filmmaker
05/03/03 11:22
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Name: JPon

really enjoyed this movie, however, this story is parallel to the stuart tay murder in orange county that occurred over 10 years ago..would like to know whatever happened to the murderers...is it true 2 of them died in prison and contracted AIDS?
05/02/03 20:48
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Name: Richard Wang
E-mail: oc_boy@hotmail.com

Just don't forget to mention that the script of the story - whether or intentionally or not - follows the real- life events that happened in the early 1990's in Orange County, California. It's one thing to say the story is loosely based on facts, another to blatantly rip off a story, profit from it, and never mention the truth. Disclaimer: I'm from Orange County too and I actually knew some of the people involved. I suppose had I not known the events involved, I might have been surprised by the plot. That they were Asian Americans is all but incidental. A good movie will stand on its merits as a movie and not because of the community support rallying around it. The good thing about this events is that other people will be encouraged to pursue filmaking and screenwriting (hopefully truly original films and scripts). As for the unfortunately incidents that happened in my backyard over a decade ago - Stewart Tay was murdered, Robert Chen and another Korean American youth were tried as adults and sentenced to life in prison. In prison, they both contracted AIDS and died. One other youth, whose backyard was where Tay's body was found, was convicted as a juvenile. He remains alive today. What brought a great deal of attention to this case was that the people involved were intelligent, from good schools, had good upbringings, lived in affluent suburbs and had potentialy good futures. Also, the body was Tay was discovered when someone heard a pager ringing below the ground. In the movie it was a cell phone. Stunning creativity.
05/02/03 20:19
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Name: Asian-American from Cerritos (but not Chinese or Korean)

A film that took no creativity, had mediocre acting, and exploited families from the Fullerton/Orange area. Sounds like a great film to me. When are the Academy Awards again?
05/02/03 13:37
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Name: H. Lee

I grew up in Cerritos, CA. If you were Chinese or Korean near Orange County, you either lived in Cerritos or Fullerton. And you either went to Whitney or Sunny Hills. I now live in New York, heard wonderful things about the film, and decided to go to support it. It truly was a great film. I was especially struck by the Virgil character, which is kind of funny, considering the actor's not even American! Many of the scenes were so on point, it made me realize over again why I decided to leave the suburban sprawl of southern California. However, the minute the last "Steve" scene began to play out, I knew exactly where Justin Lin was coming from. I was a little confused, as I hadn't heard anything about this film being based on a true story. However, if you're at least in your mid-20s and grew up Asian-American in Orange County, there is no +blocked+ing way you don't know about the Stuart Tay murder. There is no way that Justin Lin, as a local, could't recall this tragic event. That's absolutely ridiculous. In any case, the film was still awesome. It is refreshing to see Asian actors play characters that aren't exoticized or pigeon- holed. Or corn-holed... just kidding. We're Americans too. It's not like I run around muttering, "I'm Asian-American, I'm Asian- American" all day. Hell.
05/02/03 10:49
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Name: Van Da Man
E-mail: darcseid@yahoo.com

Loved this movie.
05/01/03 20:58
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Name: asiagurl888

Would like to know what happened to the Robert Chan and accomplices who were convicted of Stuart Tay's murder. Thanks.
05/01/03 02:47
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Name: shani

I've visited the official website for BLT and I found it to be grossly disturbing! Why does it seem appropriate at all for you to be inviting viewers to "choose a character that they identify with" by saying "who do you want to be?". First of all your public statements are a bunch of hypocracy by stating that you didn't base your movie on the Stuart Tay murder. You think by making this film you are acting in a positive manner for the Asian-American community? BS!!! You're a sell-out, uncreative director, who embodies the problems that the characters in your movie possess! NOT at all a step forward for the CAUSE!
04/30/03 16:16
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Name: fan

this movie was very well done... like some have said already. it is very nice to see asians as main characters in north american films... the only thing i had a problem with is the ending... maybe i'm missing somethign or not insightful enough. but i want to know what happens after u know?
04/29/03 22:10
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Name: who cares?

Thanks Ryan. I think we were all very very concerned about your well being and whether or not you were able to make it to the movie on time. Hope you have a better day tomorrow.
04/29/03 16:56
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Name: Ryan Pahang
E-mail: digitalpcsnevada@aol.com
Web Page: http://hometown.aol.com/digitalpcsnevada/

sorry i meant um i went to try and watch this movie last night after telling my friends to go with me they had it listed at 9:40 PM on the internet over the phone and papers but the last show was at 7:30PM and it's only showing at the orleans casino im an asian american came here 18 years ago when i was 14 i still look 14 hehe well anyway im gonna try to watch this film thanks for your time
04/29/03 14:13
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Name: Ryan Pahang
E-mail: digitalpcsnevada@aol.com
Web Page: http://hometown.aol.com/digitalpcsnevada/

04/29/03 14:11
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Name: Aznloon

It is great to see Asian Americans on the screen; for once I can watch some Asian Americans doing more than Martial Arts. I might someday want to be an actor and it is great I don't have to learn any Martial Arts to be in a movie. I'm happy that this movie is doing well but it is a tragedy that it's so similar to Stuart Tay's murder, I personally don't know him but I have friends that did. For those who do live in Orange County, it's sad to relive those times of sorrow, my heart goes out to you all for those tragic times. I just hope justice will be made and Stephanie arrest Ben and his friends.
04/29/03 02:30
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Name: FHS 93

Steve is not Stuart. But the murder of Steve was the murder of Stuart. Someone please refute this with something other than a quote from Justin Lin that he either "loosely" based his story on this or that he didn't know the specific facts. Somethings are too freaky to be a coincidence.
04/29/03 02:01
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Name: foothill alum '94
E-mail: zilb@hotmail.com

stuart tay sat 2 seats in front of me in calculus the year he was killed. seeing this movie gave me the shivers. everything came back... i am not going to argue with anyone about whether or not the movie is based on the case... however, i do want to say that i hope everyone who sees this (especially if you lived in orange county at the time... fhs human relations seminar and calculus class, you guys especially) remembers the conversations that we had around that time, and realizes how much work needs to be done. i think i'll have to see the movie again to form a more definite opinion about it. but in the meantime, thank you, justin lin, for reminding me about why i am an educator now.
04/28/03 23:33
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Name: reply to Marmi

I heard several years ago that two of the guys got AIDs from being raped repeatedly in prison and another committed suicide. I'm not sure if that's exactly true, but either way, things didn't exactly turn out well for anyone involved.
04/28/03 18:20
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Name: Daniel
E-mail: joeshmoe@msn.com

In my opinion... Movie was alright---except it was not realistic...(i.e.) don't think you can make that much off of cheatsheets. (HS students usually share the wealth) AND WHERE IS THE EMPHASIS AND ROLE OF THE PARENTS?? That is the focal point of asian-american identity, having to deal with the asian parents. Maybe it was in the movie, and it was edited out??? who knows.
04/28/03 15:32
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Name: marmi

I haven't seen the film yet but was intrigued by the controversy regarding the real-life murder of Stuart Tay. Does anyone have more information about what happened to the kids who were convicted of his murder? Are they all still in prison? Someone mentioned that one had died of AIDS in prison. Is this true?
04/28/03 13:40
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Name: Jeanie
E-mail: jkim@wightco.com

i am a 27 year old korean-american born and raised in chicago. During my college years i was ambassador for two years and president for one year of the korean student organization. i even attended kascon (korean american student conference) two years in a row. i find myself torn with supporting your film and the message it send to our youth. i definitely support asian films, which is why i went to the theaters on april 11th to watch blt. hopefully with the success of your first film, i hope you will expand upon those passionate issues you might have. you can read my 2 cents... this is what i wrote on a spam page with a community of friends: 1st response - hi grace. disappointed that you liked the movie, but everyone is entitled to their opinions. i just think that a lot of young asian american kids go and watch this movie and will think that this is okay. it's normal and that they can do it, too. lots of black kids watch gangster movies and get pumped by it. the surge of gang violence skyrocketed when the first teenage gangster hollywood movie became popular (boyz in the hood?). i would be saddend if something like that happened for the asian community. there are asian gang issues that should not be ignored, but there needs to be consequences to these types of actions. the movie makes it seem that upper middle class asians can get away with anything because they are smart. i was actually quite surprised toward my reaction to the movie. usually i just say "whatever" but this was different. the movie actually insulted my intelligence... drug business is not that easy to get into, who can quit cocaine cold turkey the way ben did, high school kids purchasing and carrying guns, high school kids actually sitting at a black jack table in vegas, getting a hooker (that might be possible), purchasing alcohol and bribing the guy behind the counter with money (i once sold cigarettes to a minor by accident and got written up, fined, went to court and was threated to lose the business license if this happened again - i'm sure alcohol is more strict), etc... it seems there are too many cracks in the story. young asian americans are already confused because they deal with identity issues, stereotypes, adolescence, etc.... i encourage films that educate people, especially about sterotypes of any race. the movie actually hit on a couple of worthwhile issues but ended so abruptly. as far as the storyline goes... i personally did not like it.
04/28/03 13:06
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Name: Kasey
E-mail: kaseychiao@yahoo.com

This movie was truly impressive but as a Sunny Hills alumni, I did not appreciate having to relive this traumatic event again. I hope that Mr. Lin was decent again to get permission from the family of Stuart Tay and of the 5 men that was involved in his murder. I wonder what he was trying to accomplish by making this tragic event into a movie.
04/28/03 10:51
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Name: Chris
E-mail: cmlim@mail.com

I saw BLT this evening and I believe Justin Lin is a capable director, worthy of praise for producing a film that is thought-provoking and challenges our stereotypical views on Asian Americans. The storyline is dark and disturbing, which the American public and movie critics will enjoy and even praise for its originality. However, even more disturbing is the similarities that this "original" film bears to the Stuart Tay murder. I did not grow up in Fullerton, but I do remember this shocking story very well since a college buddy had graduated from Sunny Hills High in the early 1990's. I do not know Mr. Lin personally, nor his motives for a script that is so hauntingly similar (for controversy and press coverage perhaps???) to an unforgetable teenage tragedy. But given the outrage from those _very_ familiar to the murder, it does not seem like he gives a satisfactory answer to his critics. While he may have the "stones" to produce this film in its current format, he seems to lack integrity for failing to give adequate credit to the true events that became the vehicle for his script (and of success???). Furthermore, while he has not denied being familiar with the Tay case, his actions and the final product speak volumes. Even though Mr. Lin has made "modifications" to this movie script/vehicle, we are not fooled when looking under the hood. Because at very the base, the "chassis" of this picture is the tragic story of a cold-blooded murder by 4 (Asian) honor roll students- -nor more, no less. Mr. Lin, I wish you great success in your efforts to promote and produce Asian-American films. But I have one request as you represent your Asian-American brothers and sisters in that endeavor: Please be honest with your audience. First, it's the best policy and lastly, we can't be fooled.
04/28/03 05:57
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Name: Chris
E-mail: cmlim@mail.com

I saw BLT this evening and I believe Justin Lin is a capable director, worthy of praise for producing a film that is thought-provoking and challenges our stereotypical views on Asian Americans. The storyline is dark and disturbing, which the American public and movie critics will enjoy and even praise for its originality. However, even more disturbing is the similarities that this "original" film bears to the Stuart Tay murder. I did not grow up in Fullerton, but I do remember this shocking story very well since a college buddy had graduated from Sunny Hills High in the early 1990's. I do not know Mr. Lin personally, nor his motives for a script that is so hauntingly similar (for controversy and press coverage perhaps???) to an unforgetable teenage tragedy. But given the outrage from those _very_ familiar to the murder, it does not seem like he gives a satisfactory answer to his critics. While he may have the "stones" to produce this film in its current format, he seems to lack integrity for failing to give adequate credit to the true events that became the vehicle for his script (and of success???). Furthermore, while he has not denied being familiar with the Tay case, his actions and the final product speak volumes. Even though Mr. Lin has made "modifications" to this movie script/vehicle, we are not fooled when looking under the hood. Because at very the base, the "chassis" of this picture is the tragic story of a cold-blooded murder by 4 (Asian) honor roll students- -nor more, no less. Mr. Lin, I wish you great success in your efforts to promote and produce Asian-American films. But I have one request as you represent your Asian-American brothers and sisters in that endeavor: Please be honest with your audience. First, it's the best policy and lastly, we can't be fooled.
04/28/03 05:57
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Name: Madeline Fu
E-mail: sotired310@hotmail.com

i juss wanna say i thought ur movie was awesome...i would watch it again if i could..well juss wanted to say good job..and i hope there's a sequel.
04/28/03 02:05
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Name: jl's messed

why didn't justin lin come up with something ORIGINAL? he could have easily changed the script. why did he have to write about tay's murder? it's like he's making money off of tay's death.
04/27/03 06:42
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Name: jl's messed

why didn't justin lin come up with something ORIGINAL? he could have easily changed the script. why did he have to write about tay's murder? it's like he's making money off of tay's death.
04/27/03 06:41
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Name: jl's messed

why didn't justin lin come up with something ORIGINAL? he could have easily changed the script. why did he have to write about tay's murder? it's like he's making money off of tay's death.
04/27/03 06:41
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Name: i was stu's friend
E-mail: xingha2002@yahoo.com

Lin states in the OC Weekly "I have no idea what exactly happened" in regards to Stu. Lets compare the film with reality: Two boys from different school, the boy killed (Stu/Steve) had a girlfriend cheerleader (JL/Stephanie) the other boy (Robert Chan/Ben) was interested in. The murders took place on New Years Eve. The murders took place at Abraham/Jesus' house. In the garage specifically. A bat was used in the movie. A slegehammer used in real life. Alchol was used to induce auto- asphyxiation. Both drown in their own vomit. Buried in the back yard. I could go on. Here's my point. For those of use who were friends with Stu, this movie is disgusting. Either Stu's family should have been consulted about this movie or the facts should have been changed enough to differentiate reality from the movie. Even assuming that this movie is "loosely based" on Stu, the murder is just to damn similar. I had an offer from a studio to make a movie about this but didn't pursue it because that would have been tasteless. What we have here is tastless as well.
04/26/03 21:14
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Name: readbetweenthelines

justin lin never denied that he didn't know about the sunny hills incident. he has only asserted that BLT is not based on the kids at sunny hills.... when a film is BASED on something- you take EVERYTHING and all the facts from the real life story. he HAS acknowledged that he knows about stuart tay and that it & other incidents of youth violence stirred him to created HIS OWN CHARACTERS for him to make a film about. yes- there are similiarites. but in order for him to BASE a film on a true story, he HAS to talk to the family and the do the research of the talking to the people involved. and he didn't do it out of respect to the people involved. he wanted to make up his own CHARACTERS to explore the issues of why kids could come to a point of violence. everyone who points out how similiar things are also point out how different things are- and that's because it IS different.
04/26/03 19:05

Below are comments to this article which have been moved over from the old site. Enjoy! -- Editor
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Name: readbetweenthelines

justin lin never denied that he didn't know about the sunny hills incident. he has only asserted that BLT is not based on the kids at sunny hills.... when a film is BASED on something- you take EVERYTHING and all the facts from the real life story. he HAS acknowledged that he knows about stuart tay and that it & other incidents of youth violence stirred him to created HIS OWN CHARACTERS for him to make a film about. yes- there are similiarites. but in order for him to BASE a film on a true story, he HAS to talk to the family and the do the research of the talking to the people involved. and he didn't do it out of respect to the people involved. he wanted to make up his own CHARACTERS to explore the issues of why kids could come to a point of violence. everyone who points out how similiar things are also point out how different things are- and that's because it IS different.
04/26/03 19:05
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Name: two cents

“Loosely related"...that is a bunch of BS!!! This movie IS the story of Stuart Tay. In viewing the first scene of your movie I knew EXACTLY what the story was about. Justin Lin give credit where credit is due. You claim not to know the story of Stuart Tay!! Please!!! You grew up in Buena Park. It’s just a coincidence that that is where the body was found buried. And you had NO IDEA, right!!! If you wanted to create a movie that is unique and of it’s own, and not to give credit to the victims of the Stuart Tay murder, why didn’t you try to make more of an effort to make the movie “DIFFERENT” from the real life event. Why did you use so many similarities of the TRUE story. Why didn’t you use that creative mind of yours and at LEAST changed how Steve was murdered, or how they disposed of the body. You know, Stuart Tay was murdered with a bat and had alcohol poured down his throat and buried, too but I guess you attempted to change it up a bit by having him shot first, right. Or even better yet, “ACADEMIC DECATHALON,” you know Stuart Tay was on academic decathlon, hmm I guess that was just a coincidence, right. And was on his way to an Ivy league. School. Again I guess another coincidence. I do applaud your attempt to try to produce a movie that is not of how society views as "Asian behavior" But PLEASE just admit it!! You are just like all the other film makers out there just using another’s tragedy as your claim to fame!!
04/25/03 19:23
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Name: two cents

“Loosely related"...that is a bunch of BS!!! This movie IS the story of Stuart Tay. In viewing the first scene of your movie I knew EXACTLY what the story was about. Justin Lin give credit where credit is due. You claim not to know the story of Stuart Tay!! Please!!! You grew up in Buena Park. It’s just a coincidence that that is where the body was found buried. And you had NO IDEA, right!!! If you wanted to create a movie that is unique and of it’s own, and not to give credit to the victims of the Stuart Tay murder, why didn’t you try to make more of an effort to make the movie “DIFFERENT” from the real life event. Why did you use so many similarities of the TRUE story. Why didn’t you use that creative mind of yours and at LEAST changed how Steve was murdered, or how they disposed of the body. You know, Stuart Tay was murdered with a bat and had alcohol poured down his throat and buried, too but I guess you attempted to change it up a bit by having him shot first, right. Or even better yet, “ACADEMIC DECATHALON,” you know Stuart Tay was on academic decathlon, hmm I guess that was just a coincidence, right. And was on his way to an Ivy league. School. Again I guess another coincidence. I do applaud your attempt to try to produce a movie that is not of how society views as "Asian behavior" But PLEASE just admit it!! You are just like all the other film makers out there just using another’s tragedy as your claim to fame!!
04/25/03 19:23
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Name: tommi

Why does the director keep denying that this film was made from the Stuart Tay case? This was a very tragic incident and how do you think the parents of the kids felt? All of the kids involved went to prison whether or not they were involved. If they see this movie was made they will probably be reliving the tragedy that happened to their kids. Is this what the director wants to happen?
04/24/03 20:52
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Name: Soybeanboy
Web Page: Soybean

Justin- All the best of luck to you! I respect your endeavors and I wish you to make it big all the way!
04/24/03 20:43
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Name: No respect for the victims

It is just capitalism at its finest. Even as a moderate conservative, I cannot condone this blatant form of exploitation. The entire film is just a remake of the Stuart Tay tragedy and to deny that is gutless, if not ignorant. Hiding behind the vein of Asian Americanism is just an excuse for us Asian Americans to buy tickets and line his pockets. Only denials from Pres. Clinton and Oliver North can compare. I urge you Justin to do what's right and acknowledge this travesty. It's a farce.
04/24/03 18:00
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Name: anti

http://www.ocweekly.com/ink/03/32/film- tsang.php In this article, Justin Lin says he knew very little about the Tay murder when making the movie and the similarities are minor. WTF?! Both crimes were committed on New Year's Eve, involving a beating with a bat, rubbing alcohol, and a shallow backyard grave. There were 5 asian kids and a mexican kid in both cases. There was a scam involved. The differences are minor. It's like, dude, just say that it's based on the Tay murder. It's so obvious
04/24/03 14:23
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Name: Why?
E-mail: nobody@nobody.com

Can't seem to find any description of the film on your site. Mostly get the impression that watching this film is a duty to support some kind of vaguely defined Asian-American clique. Not enough for me to want to watch the film. Sorry that I didn't see more discussion of the actual movie.
04/24/03 04:48
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Name: PETER HONG
E-mail: PETERSHONG@HOTMAIL.COM

U SHOULD GIVE CREDIT TO WHERE ITS DUE. TOTALLY FROM THE ROBERT CHAN MURDER.
04/22/03 15:40
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Name: PETER HONG
E-mail: PETERSHONG@HOTMAIL.COM

U SHOULD GIVE CREDIT TO WHERE ITS DUE. TOTALLY FROM THE ROBERT CHAN MURDER.
04/22/03 15:40
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Name: Johnnie
E-mail: Dzeicee@aol.com

I saw the movie over the weekend and thought it was great. However the end of the movie kind of shook me, because it was so closely related to the Stuart Tay murder. I'm from Fullerton and attended sunny hills and now live in d.c. area. Anyone that lived in fullerton or near it probably remember the murder because it was also a main focus in south korea. I'm not trying to say that the director copied the real story, but if he did he should give credit where credit is due. The murder affected a lot of people in so. cal. Before the murders there weren't much of asian crimes in california, but after we all heard about the murders Korean gangs and other Asian gangs were in a BIG rise in so cal. Maybe it might have something to do with it I dont know.
04/22/03 14:13
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Name: So Cal Asian American

Asian Americans who were in high school in So Cal during the early 90s all remember the tragic story about Stuart Tay. I wouldn't expect too many East Coasters or non So Cal Asian Americans to have any idea. But when this film opened and a fellow Asian American, not from So Cal, described the plot, I immediately thought about Stuart Tay. Unfortunately, my friend said there was no mention of Stuart Tay or the fact that it was based on his story. If so, I think it's a shame that Mr. Lin would not only bite off of another person's real life story for his film, but fail to give credit where credit is due. Everyone should be aware that no one walked away from the real life tragedy. As I remember hearing from former high school classmates of Stuart Tay just a few years ago, pretty much everyone who was involved and later arrested for the murder died in prison. This was a tragic event and one that was so incredible that most Asian Americans who heard about it 10 years ago still remember it vividly today. I don't think any film should capitalize on the tragedy of real life people and claim that it is a 'break out' film depicting Asian Americans in a different light. It was a horrific tragedy that no one should take lightly.
04/22/03 01:42

Below are comments to this article which have been moved over from the old site. Enjoy! -- Editor
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Name: Henry
E-mail: henry0823@hotmail.com

I strongly agree with the post by Sunny Hills Alum '94. Any Asian-Am who lives in the Fullerton area, and went to high school during the early '90s, will acknowledge that the film's gruesome conclusion is based on the horrific Stuart Tay murder. It's intellectually dishonest for Justin Lin to claim that the movie is "loosely based" upon the murder. I don't care what the national media, or Roger Ebert in particular, have to say about the film. For those of us who lived through the tragedy, and knew people affected by it, the movie hits too close to home in a negative sense. I'm not saying that Justin Lin doesn't have the right to make the film. He absolutely does. I'm just saying that as a film maker, he lacks the integrity to acknowledge the origin/inspiration for his film.
04/21/03 17:26
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Name: Sunny Hills '94 Alum

I just saw the movie in Boston. It shocked and hurt me. I had written to the BetterLuckTomorrow Web site to see if it had any similarities to the Stuart Tay murder and was assured that the movie was not based on real life. I knew all of those Sunny Hills students since they were at some point in some of my classes. Unexpectedly, I was forced to mourn again while reliving those events. The portrayal was too close and I felt like it was an injustice for family friends of those involved in the real event to claim that the movie was not mostly based on the real event.
04/20/03 17:45
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Name: snoopys3
E-mail: ILovesnoopys@aol.com

okay okay... now what i have to say is this... the movie was meant to talk about life in suburbia for Asiain American youth right, so if it was taken from real life happenings, that just gives it more credability, and if not, hell it's still a great movie. Hey i dont remember anyone talking about how unoriginal Titanic was, and hell the whole story was ripped from bits and peices of truth, hey wasnt that movie actually acclaimed for its accuracy. I think i see a double standard here. But back to the movie,I saw it last night, and am still thinking about it, its left a feeling with me that i cant shake, i want to say something, do something, think something, and im still searching for that outlet. I honestly can say it is one of the best movies i have ever seen, and didnt have the budget big names, or advertising behind it that many lesser box office movies have had. it has some of the best direction, storyline, and acting i have seen, im still struggling to extract real life from movie, and the movie from my life. I am not asain rather black/white, and it still struck a cord with me. the movie was refreshingly real/disturbing, and says a lot of the things that need to be said. Lin and cast, i thank you for doing more then entertaining me, but engaging me and making me think, and feel. I wish you the best of luck with this films success... and ive already convinced 2 people to go... hey thats only $15 more in revenue, but im trying to do my part for what was a great film, and even greater message, i hope others here do the same. Some of my Friends at Cal Poly are RA's in the dorms, I'll try and talk them into making a program out of it, and getting some students to go. I think this is a movie that lots of people need to see, and the other will enjoy it anyway too. =-)
04/19/03 04:12
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Name: Joey Bensie
E-mail: jbensie@yahoo.com
Web Page: The Basement

Great movie Justin. I hope you really read the comments on this page too because all the comments are great. I would like to give you all my comments about this movie, but this would take forever to read then. You can talk to Joan from Cherry Sky Films...I emailed her to congradulate you all on a job well done. It would be great to hear from you as well. Congrats on a great job!
04/18/03 14:28
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Name: Ron
E-mail: Ronster@ronperez.com
Web Page: Welcome to RonPerez.com

As an independent feature film, I couldn't possible ask for more in an Asian-American movie made by an Asian- American. I was thoroughly entertained. It was funny, emotional, and shocking. Being Asian-American myself may make my response sound biased, but just on a level of good storytelling and filmmaking, this is a great example of how determination and focus can produce a wonderful piece of work that will make people talk and rethink the roles of Asian-Americans, whether they are Asian-American or not. Just like what Spike Lee did 17 years ago for African-American independent filmmaking in "Do The Right Thing", "Better Luck Tomorrow" will hopefully shine the spotlight onto talented Asian-American filmmakers such as Justin Lin and Gene Cajayon. Thank you Justin Lin for taking a BIG step in helping us move forward within the American culture.
04/17/03 15:41
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Name: sarah

What a great movie! We pulled all of our friends to see it opening weekend and everyone agreed that it was awesome. One of the film writers even took a picture of us for memories :) For those who have not yet seen the movie, GO SEE IT!
04/17/03 01:31
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Name: Laura
E-mail: kimcheeto@hotmail.com

Hi. I just have to say that I don't care if the story line has been plagerized or not because the lives that the characters portray run true to life and whether the actual people/events are credited or not doesn't matter. This is just the beginning of a progressive Asian- American movement in the entertainment industry. The movie addresses socially constructed issues esp. race that U.S. pop culture likes to pretend doesn't exist. I am very grateful that Justin Lin's film was picked up for though it may or may not be the best "Asian- American" film ever made, it is the first to command so much attention from the media which qualifies it-to me-as the best. "Orange Country" with Tom Hank's son was the stupidest movie that was ever made. Everyone was white..as if asians didn't exist in Orange County. Ahhh Sorry for the long spiel. Social issues set me off. The movie is great and hits close to home for a Korean like me.
04/17/03 00:33
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Name: H
E-mail: aka_orchid@hotmail.com

I was fully entertained for the entire movie.
04/15/03 15:36
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Name: chris o

Apparently the link doesn't work. Just find the "superfan" section of the official website. Thx.
04/14/03 04:33
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Name: Chris Orimoto

Hey, this dialogue is getting ugly. Just for the record, Lin has responded to these allegations about the Tay. You can view it here: http://www.betterlucktomorrow.com/html/ index.php? id=superfan&ImgId=08&banid=superfan GO to the "Ask BLT" section. Ok, rage on.
04/14/03 04:32
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Name: ur stupid asiangirl
E-mail: wehateyou03@hotmail.com

To Asiangirl: You are an idiot. I have lived in Fullerton for the past 21 years and attended Sunny Hills High School. The connection of this movie to the Stuart Tay murder is completely true. While I agree that Justin Lin should acknowledge this fact (which I actually heard he did acknowledge in the Orange County Register as "loosely based"), I think the movie is a big success for the Asian American community. I think that all of your postings should be banned as you are stupid. My friends and I all read your postings and laughed and laughed and laughed. Thanks for the good times.
04/13/03 23:25
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Name: GDT

Congrats to BLT. This is from today's news: In limited release, the low-budget "Better Luck Tomorrow" had a huge first weekend, grossing $398,489 in just 13 theaters for an average of $30,653. Directed by Justin Lin, the film features a cast of unknowns in the story of straight-A, Asian-American teens who, bored with their suburban lives, slide into petty crimes that lead to violence. MTV Films acquired the movie at last year's Sundance Film Festival (news - web sites), feeling its fresh faces, dark humor, eclectic music and ambivalent ending would appeal to the network's youthful audience. Asian-Americans made up a bit more than half the audience, but the filmmakers hope it can cross over to a wider crowd as the movie expands to more theaters over the next two weekends. "These kids could be anybody," said Van Toffler, MTV president. "It's silly to underestimate the eclectic moviegoing tastes of our demographic. The cast doesn't have to look or feel like them for them to want to see it." Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures will be released Monday.
04/13/03 16:33
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Name: chris
E-mail: pornstuff2002@hotmail.com

Great movie. I am an extremely critical, and perhaps a cynical movie goer. However, this film deserves and requires all the attention that it has received; and much more. It's definitely a rare jewel in a landscape full of unoriginal, unprovocative, and pointless films. Unique in its cast, plot, cinematography, and brilliant execution under low budget, this film defies stereotypes and breaks rules on and off the screen. Somehow tender, gritty, disturbing, and hilarious at the same time, BLT’s provocative on so many levels. In terms of social impact, this movie is huge. Ignoring race as an important distinction in the story, it’s the first step in the movement to get people like Shaq knowing that there’s more to us than just Kung Fu and Take Out. At least ‘more’ in the same sense as anyone else.
04/13/03 15:20
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Name: ladymiumiu
Web Page: http://goldsea.com/Features/Murders/murders2.html

No Asiangirl, Get your facts straight! READ THE ARTICLE AND YOU SHALL SEE THAT THIS WAS NOT WORD OF MOUTH! Justin Lin should acknowledge and state to his viewers that his film was taken from someone else's life story. No way in hell is this film unique in any way. http://goldsea.com/Features/Murders/murd ers2.html On December 31, 1992, in the early evening, Robert Chan, then 18, waited for his victim to arrive. He had allegedly spent the past week plotting this crime. He had persuaded four friends to help him-Charles Choe, 18; Kirn Young Kim, 18; Mun Bong Kang, 19; and Abraham Acosta, 17. They all attended Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, where Chan was a contender for class valedictorian. The five students sat in the garage of the Acosta family's spacious home in Fullerton, an upper middle class city in Orange County. They waited. They eyed each other. They examined the sledge hammer, fingered the duck tape, watched dust settle on the bottle of rubbing alcohol. Occasionally, one would stroll into the backyard to scrutinize the shallow grave they had dug that afternoon. Shortly after dark their victim, Stuart Tay, 17, an honors student at Foothill High School in Santa Ana, stepped into the garage. Tay had introduced himself to Chan months earlier as a fledgling criminal figure, bragging of having killed 100 loyal followers, of his ability to pirate computer programs and counterfeit $100 bills, driver licenses and credit cards. He had also boasted that he had access to explosives and power weapons. He had asked Chan to join him, and attempting to demonstrate his clout, Tay procured private information about Chan, like his home address, details about his clothing and knowledge about a crush Chan once had on a cheerleader. When Tay had confronted Chan with this information, Chan felt threatened and, out of fear, agreed to help Tay rob a successful computer salesman. They had arranged to meet in Acosta's garage to plan the burglary. When Tay arrived that evening, he had expected to find Chan alone, but Chan, fearing his life was in danger, had engineered other plans. As Tay entered the garage, the boys exchanged greetings, and then without provocation, one of them swung the sledge hammer into Tay's shoulder. Tay staggered backwards and cried, "Hey, what have I ever done to you?" The sledge hammer thudded against his back, and the boys proceeded to bludgeon him into unconsciousness, as blood and gore splattered over the walls and cement floor. Tay collapsed, and Chan allegedly poured rubbing alcohol into his mouth and duck-taped it shut. Tay drowned as the harsh liquid filled his lungs. The boys dragged the corpse into the backyard and heaved it into the grave. To delude the police, they drove Tay's car to Compton, stripped it and left it in an alley. Within two weeks, however, the police had followed a sloppy trail of poorly disguised clues to Chan and his accomplices. Chan is currently being tried. On a cool March day in 1994, a stoic Tuan Nguyen, 29, stood at the employee entrance of Extron Electronic, a computer assembly plant in Santa Fe Springs, an industrial Los Angeles suburb. Clutching a high caliber pistol in one hand, Nguyen opened the door by punching the five-digit, secret code given to employees and entered the building, planing to slay his former supervisor. The supervisor had fired Nguyen two weeks earlier for his poor job performance. PAGE 3
04/13/03 14:41
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Name: asiangirl

One last note... Ladymiumiu, please learn to spell before you post such negative messages. Don't you have spellcheck?? :|
04/13/03 06:48
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Name: asiangirl

First of all I would like to say that ladymiumiu is a natural born hater... She takes word of mouth "la stories" as if it is her own biography and criticizes a movie that came on the big screen and hates, just as any ignorant being does... Hey if that is such the case that you are alleging that Justin Lin is a faker, then why don't you take some form of legal action?? Do you actually believe that this film would have made the sundance film fest and be bought if you had any form of backing in what you say?? Growing up in los angeles, you hear stories whether fact or fiction; maybe there was a true incidence of a similar context to the movie that occurred in southern cali, but who cares??? All movies are made with a story that may have happened, or may happen... When you have some form of legitimate power in the entertainment industry as clearly, Justin Lin does, then open your mouth. The bottom line is, I'm not interested in your nonsense... Well back to more important issues such as the movie... I believed it to be clearly a success!! Whether this film makes it to theaters in the broader sense, the supporters in the metropolitan areas that came out to view the movie in my part of town clearly expressed reactions of joy, and bit of relief... Meaning the kind of expression that comes from a community of people that sees that FINALLY they are able to see a movie that depicts the typical asian american teen, as a teen... not as an "asian" teen. Or, "Oriental" to be politically INCORRECT. Ha Ha! Justin, the film is a success in the eyes of your supporters whether it makes it to other theaters or not. Finally in my group of friends, we have found some sort of justice... and it was great seeing all of the non asians who came out to see the film. We are finally represented for who we are, as real people, just as others in society. Best of luck!!
04/13/03 06:46
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Name: ladymiumiu
E-mail: ladymiumiu2000@yahoo.com

I just wanted to say that I saw the movie last nite. I was sadly disappointed in this film for it's unoriginality. The directer and producer of BLT not only plagerized the whole story line, but capitilized on someone else's misfortunes. The truth? I was excited at first to see this film for it's all asian cast...i thought that the whole cast did an absolutely awesome job! as for the film itself...justin lin is a fake. he copied the story from the mishaps of 4 fullerton boys who committed this crime. this happened in the city of fullerton, all 4 were sunny hills high school honor roll students (all asians) as in the story. they killed the student and buried him in the backyard of someone's house and was subsequently caught. this TRUE story of what actually happened seems to parallel and be the same as in BLT. Nowhere did i hear from justin lin (the director) of this film, nor from the producers...of any aknowledgement or crediting to the poor families that this happened to. He not only capitilized on 5 families misfortues, but is now being recognized as one of the up and coming directors in the industyr???? this is insane!! I would have no problem with this movie at all had he acknowledged that this was someone else's true life story. I feel that the message it sends out to viewers is important but i will never support nor view any of justin lin's films ever again. I cannot support someone who is a fake! He says that this is a unique and original film? i think not!
04/13/03 03:59
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Name: Mike
E-mail: m1ke101@mail.com

I saw the movie tonight, and I must say this movie was definitely very thought provoking and worthwhile to see. Its so different seeing asians having main roles, and I hope this will start a trend. I really hope this movie becomes successful.
04/13/03 03:24
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Name: Grace Su[perfan]
E-mail: peachies@ucsc.edu
Web Page: PEACHiES

I finally saw the film last night after much anticipation. It was such an exciting experience...the movie theater was packed to the max...people were even sitting in the aisles! Well, I am very optimistic about the ultimate success of this film. I'm definitely going to continue promoting for BLT. & FINALLY I hope America will get that "wake up call" it should have gotten LONG ago! Cheers to Justin Lin, & the cast & crew for "bringing to life" the type of movie we need to see more of!
04/12/03 20:11
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Name: Nick
E-mail: nicklim@hotmail.com

Justin, I saw your film in NYC last night. Though you came from that other school in L.A., I must admit that I sincerely enjoyed your film. I will not get into the details but I just wanted to let you know that I am proud of you and your work both from an artistic and creative sense and a broader political achievement for Asian-Americans everywhere. You will be pleased to know that I was in a packed theater where most seemed to share my approval based on the spontaneous applause that erupted when the credits started rolling. Good job and lots of luck (not sure you need it)! Nick
04/12/03 09:51
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Name: David Nguyen
E-mail: genxevo@optusnet.com.au

Is there any point for my word of mouth?? i'm in australia.. i wanna support it but will the movie come to australia??
04/12/03 04:54
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Name: Chau Le
E-mail: chaunle6@yahoo.com

Hey. I grew up in OC, California since I was 7 years old. I'm currently a 1-year committed service corp volunteer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The influence of Asian existence in the deep south is close to nil except for a few Chinese restaurants that cater to the average caucasian tastebuds. I miss fish sauce! I am really excited about the BLT project, but I'm sure it won't be opening in my neck of the woods anytime soon. I cannot even find the "Shopping for Fangs" video rental within 100 mile radius. I just hope "y'alls" (incorporating local flavor) endeavor to give BLT its wings reaches fruition. Maybe then I'll get to see it. Tha^n Me^'n, Le Ngoc Chau
04/11/03 15:02
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Name: Chau Le
E-mail: chaunle6@yahoo.com

Hey. I grew up in OC, California since I was 7 years old. I'm currently a 1-year committed service corp volunteer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The influence of Asian existence in the deep south is close to nil except for a few Chinese restaurants that cater to the average caucasian tastebuds. I miss fish sauce! I am really excited about the BLT project, but I'm sure it won't be opening in my neck of the woods anytime soon. I cannot even find the "Shopping for Fangs" video rental within 100 mile radius. I just hope "y'alls" (incorporating local flavor) endeavor to give BLT its wings reaches fruition. Maybe then I'll get to see it. Tha^n Me^'n, Le Ngoc Chau
04/11/03 15:02
04/11/03 15:02
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Name: Chau Le
E-mail: chaunle6@yahoo.com

Hey. I grew up in OC, California since I was 7 years old. I'm currently a 1-year committed service corp volunteer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The influence of Asian existence in the deep south is close to nil except for a few Chinese restaurants that cater to the average caucasian tastebuds. I miss fish sauce! I am really excited about the BLT project, but I'm sure it won't be opening in my neck of the woods anytime soon. I cannot even find the "Shopping for Fangs" video rental within 100 mile radius. I just hope "y'alls" (incorporating local flavor) endeavor to give BLT its wings reaches fruition. Maybe then I'll get to see it. Tha^n Me^'n, Le Ngoc Chau