Below are comments transferred over from the old site. Enjoy, and feel free to post your own thoughts! -- Editor
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Name: Bao
E-mail: baobear@hotmail.com
I loved the movie...it was really good...and soo real too...definitely seeing it again...my friend dennis saw it 5 times already...great movie!!
05/06/03 01:13
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Name: Laura
E-mail: Sailorchibonmoon@hotmail.com
WOO! This is great! :D I brought non Asian friends to watch it with me. They liked it. I'm going to try to see it again with more non Asian friends. My friend Becca is in it - she's the white girl in the end~! :) Anyways... it's a artsy movie... very dramatic and dark... but finally... Asians are coming out... well not dramatically... but it shows that we are strong in the film industry.
04/29/03 18:08
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Name: tommy
E-mail: melinda_tommy@lycos.com
I just want to say: KEEP IT UP!!!!!
04/25/03 23:27
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Name: RE: ladymiumiu
let's be serious here. for the sake of the families, they should either a) be consulted prior to production or b) acknowledged. the striking similarities between the stuart tay tragedy and BLT are numerous, if not endless. anyone from OC or SoCal is aware of this, and especially anyone remotely close to the situation. there are numerous "coincidences" other than what is mentioned in the article. so, for everyone's sake, let us move on. i wasted $9 on this movie as have others. so, until an original movie with at least a hint of creativity comes out, let's cease this discourse...
04/23/03 19:02
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Name: Lucinda
I believe tht in order for the Asian American voice to be heard a film had to be made that would create a LOT of stir. Justin created a movie w/ the magic formula because his film brought forth a lot of topics that are left unanswered. This, my friend ...is the BEST marketing scheme. We all saw it done in the Blair Witch Project & I am sure you all asked yourselves how it could be done again, because aferall, this is a director trying to make it in cut throat Hollywood!! Well, it has been done & as we all sit here posting comments, it will fuel the fire of others curiousity. I agree, that I left the theater w/ so many questions running through my mind because I clearly remember the 93 "incident", but mystery is the added value to this movie that combines every type of emotion. I strongly support the efforts in the film & this has given a voice to Asians & hopefully we can use that voice to promote other types of Asian American movies.
04/21/03 23:53
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Name: Lucinda
I believe tht in order for the Asian American voice to be heard a film had to be made that would create a LOT of stir. Justin created a movie w/ the magic formula because his film brought forth a lot of topics that are left unanswered. This, my friend ...is the BEST marketing scheme. We all saw it done in the Blair Witch Project & I am sure you all asked yourselves how it could be done again, because aferall, this is a director trying to make it in cut throat Hollywood!! Well, it has been done & as we all sit here posting comments, it will fuel the fire of others curiousity. I agree, that I left the theater w/ so many questions running through my mind because I clearly remember the 93 "incident", but mystery is the added value to this movie that combines every type of emotion. I strongly support the efforts in the film & this has given a voice to Asians & hopefully we can use that voice to promote other types of Asian American movies.
04/21/03 23:50
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Name: Steven Lam
E-mail: Ichiban729@aol.com
Yes I did end up watching this film on 4/18/03. I must say overall I'm happy with what I saw. I liked all the characters and the way they acted out their characters. It's interesting how one can see Ben changing before your very eyes. The young lady who played Stephanie was definitely gorgeous. I'd give BLT 8.5/10 I just wish they showed more of the neighborhood of the setting... some of the film's greatest cinema shots were the very basic ones, in my humble opinion. i.e. the side shot of Ben practicing his free throws in the park. Very nice shots. Very believable and it made me feel a sense of placement like "Yeah, I know where a park like that may be located..." My favorite scene were the "bleacher creatures" cheering on Ben to get in the basketball game. I love basketball myself, and that scene had me hollering. I also liked the word vocabulary as they strung into the movie very well. I liked the Ben-Stephanie development. They definitely have a good on-screen chemistry and vibe. Virgil's character however, got weaker and weaker as the movie went on, IMHO. But what can you do? There really are people like Virgil out there and perhaps that's what Mr. Lin was trying to capture. Overall, very good film. As I was taking the bus home, I kept thinking about it... so yeah, I'd say it left a pretty lasting impression on me. B+
04/20/03 19:56
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Name: zaky
Thats great to hear that the movie is doing good. I know for sure I am gonna go watch it. I first saw the commercial on MTV and I thought it was a show until they said in theaters. And finally the movie is out in Seattle.
04/19/03 03:08
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Name: RE: ladymiumiu
Web Page: http://www.betterlucktomorrow.com
Specifically referring to ladymiumiu's post on numerous websites regarding sunny hill incident, I strongly recommend ladymiumiu and people who agree with her comment to stop spreading the rumors. Here is why: 1) Very very important, it is for the sake of families who are involved in that particular tragedy. I understand there are people who felt the families should be mentioned and acknowledged, but do you really think the families wanted that? While there are similarities in events, the characters in BLT ARE NOT the teens of that incident. To say that they are, not only is that unjust to those teens, it is very harmful to their families. (because of your comments, I did some research to find the facts. I believe in an article I read, Stuart Tay's father, who was asked by a reporter about the film, said BLT is NOT about his son.) While you think you are helping the families by getting them acknowledged, you are actually hurting them by telling the public to link their sons to characters who aren't anything like their sons. So please stop it for those families' sake. 2)Facts vs. Fiction. The article that ladymuimui usually attaches to her post actually contradict her accusation. Clearly, by reading the article carefully along with some more research, BLT is not about sunny hill incident. And the similarities between the two are very limited and exist in minor portion of the whole film. Thus the characters and their stories are definitely original. (thanks for that article, it provides clear contrast) 3)With that said, BLT is always said to be "inspired" by many past incidents, including Sunny Hill case. I have been to many film festivals where Justin Lin held Q&A and he never shys away or publically denies that there are real-life incidents that inspired him and the writers. Again, please go to www.betterlucktomorrow.com and check out ASK BLT section on SuperFan page. Justin gave his explanation there. So please stop saying that BLT denies any connection. 4)Last, it is not fair to call BLT "capitalizing on other's misery". Justin Lin said he wanted to do a film that means something and wanted people to think and discuss after watching. If one wanted to capitalize on this tragedy, he can easily copy the exact story and changed location, changed all the cast to other races just to avoid the similarities. I bet he would have been able to get alot more money if he did that. However, he stuck to his heart and did something great for the community by doing BLT the way it is now. It is unjust to him for someone to misjudge his intention and misinform others. So I plead all of you to do more research and study the facts before rush to any judgements and post any ill-informed message(I sincerely hope ladymuimui doesnt have a special agenda besides wanting to help the families).Because if you do want to help, I hope you understand my points and can help me steer things clear. This is only fair to the cast and crew of BLT, and to the families who are involved as well. Thank you.
04/18/03 20:59
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Name: Steven Lam
E-mail: Ichiban729@aol.com
That's great to hear! Congratulations to everyone who helped to make the movie a success thus far. I will go watch it for the first time tonight with my friend, 4/18/03. I saw a commercial preview on MTV and I said, "Yeah, that looks cool, let's watch it." I don't say that a lot for many movies, but BLT definitely intrigues me... "back in my day" I made a home movie or two, and had a crazy dream of becoming a director... while the dream has faded, BLT brings some of that lust back. Kudos to Mr. Justin Lin. Have a good one everyone!
04/18/03 12:20
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Name: Steven Lam
E-mail: Ichiban729@aol.com
That's great to hear! Congratulations to everyone who helped to make the movie a success thus far. I will go watch it for the first time tonight with my friend, 4/18/03. I saw a commercial preview on MTV and I said, "Yeah, that looks cool, let's watch it." I don't say that a lot for many movies, but BLT definitely intrigues me... "back in my day" I made a home movie or two, and had a crazy dream of becoming a director... while the dream has faded, BLT brings some of that lust back. Kudos to Mr. Justin Lin. Have a good one everyone!
04/18/03 12:20
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Name: sunny hills grad
ladymiumiu's right.. justin lin should have acknowlegded the 5 students and should have included an "inspired by ture incidents" or something like that.. but i have to admit, BLT is consistant witht he stories that i've heard about my school's past.
04/18/03 02:37
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Name: Jack
E-mail: mrjoh2001@yahoo.com
Hearing a lot about this film. Wondering if this will be shown in Asia. I am currently in Taiwan, someone let me know. Thanks. Eager to see this film.
04/17/03 00:41
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Name: Jose Pimental
"BLT" a breakthrough film for Asian- Americans? Dude, give me a break! You aint representin'! Why Director Lin did not cast a Filipino actor to for the lead of "Ben" is an insult to the Pilipino/Filipino-American community! Saw your flick but, overall, it wasn't believable. There is a large population of young Flips in Orange County. For you not to give true props to your Filipino bruthas is an insult to the overall Asian-American community! It goes to show that there is still racism amongst us especially to those who are darker than yellow!
04/16/03 23:52
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Name: Jose Pimental
"BLT" a breakthrough film for Asian- Americans? Dude, give me a break! You aint representin'! Why Director Lin did not cast a Filipino actor to for the lead of "Ben" is an insult to the Pilipino/Filipino-American community! Saw your flick but, it overall, it wasn't believable. There is a large population of young Flips in Orange County. For you not to give true props to your Filipino bruthas is an insult to the overall Asian-American community! It goes to show that there is still racism amongst us especially to those who are darker than yellow!
04/16/03 23:47
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Name: ted Ikuta
E-mail: t.ikuta@aioi.com
I have been posting about BLT on PrincetonReview forum. All the Elite students are checking that site. www.review.com select join the discussion , select college select option search Better luck tomorrow. and join in
04/15/03 18:46
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Name: Ruben Reyna
E-mail: notevenshyguy@yahoo.com
i am a hispanic but i love asian american themed films like "china girl" "Tongs" joy luck club and now "BETTER LUCK TOMORROW" . it was a great film with a lot of hot talent from all the actors and actresses. good luck and good fortune to one great movie!!!!
04/15/03 03:55
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Name: ben
E-mail: benpimps@hoez.com
In addition, here's an excerpt taken from that site for all those too lazy to read: "It’s funny, but I’ve gotten to know the Stuart Tay case even more after making the film. I consciously did not want to base the film entirely on it because there were a lot of issues I wanted to deal with myself . . . out of respect to the people who were involved in that case. I have no idea what exactly happened. I don’t know those characters. I wanted kind of to distance the film from them but at the same time deal with certain issues in a way I’m sure are very relatable."
04/14/03 23:07
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Name: ben
E-mail: benpimps@hoez.com
a reponse to ladymiumiu: while Justin Lin did not outrightly mention the family and the idea behind the deaths, he did nothing to hide the fact. He even alluded to it in his interview with the Orange County newspaper. You can read it at http://www.ocweekly.com/ink/03/32/film- tsang.php. Furthermore, many writers and filmmakers take their inspiration from events that happen everyday. And I assure you great pieces of literature and art have not always explicitly mentioned or thanked the source of their inspiration. This should not detract from the overall quality and impact of such a moving masterpiece.
04/14/03 23:06
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Name: ispeaker
Wow, what a hater....
04/14/03 21:19
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Name: ladymiumiu
Web Page: http://goldsea.com/Features/Murders/murders2.html
I just wanted to say that I saw the movie last night. I was sadly disappointed in this film for its unoriginality. The director and producer of BLT not only plagiarized the whole story line, but capitalized on someone else's misfortunes. The truth? I was very excited at first to see this film for its all Asian cast...I thought that the whole cast did an absolutely awesome job! The actors in this film rock! As for the film itself...Justin Lin is nothing but a phony. He copied the story from the mishaps of 4 Fullerton boys who committed this crime. This happened in the city of Fullerton, all 5 were sunny hills high school honor roll students (all Asians) as in the movie...committing a treacherous act. 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, or from the producers...of any acknowledgement or crediting the poor families that this happened to. He not only capitalized on 5 families’ misfortunes, but is now being recognized as one of the up and coming directors in the industry???? 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 very important and true. But I can never support or view any of Justin Lin’s films ever again. I cannot support someone who is a fake! He's right up there with Tarantino. He says that this is HIS OWN unique and original film creation? I think not! that is my only dissapointment about BLT.he did not recognize and let his viewers know that this was an actual real and true life story event. It disturbs me to know that he can capitilize on someone's misery and make it seem as if his film was his original story. http://goldsea.com/Features/Murders/murd ers2.html
04/14/03 19:51
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Name: Simon Mah
E-mail: eatbowltea@hotmail.com
Justin, This is a good start and rightfully so. BLT is a well written and well crafted feature. I urge everyone to go see this film and help support Asian American cinema. One great opening weekend is just the tip of the iceberg.
04/14/03 13:00
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Name: Simon Mah
E-mail: eatbowltea@hotmail.com
Justin, This is a good start and rightfully so. BLT is a well written and well crafted feature. I urge everyone to go see this film and help support Asian American cinema. One great opening weekend is just the tip of the iceberg.
04/14/03 13:00
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Name: Long
E-mail: legoland@mail.com
Excellent movie.. the snapshot of the complexity about being a 'model minority' and the 'token asian' was wonderful. It brought me back to high school again.
04/14/03 12:21
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Name: Dustin Yu
E-mail: d.yu@asiantn.com
Web Page: Asian Television Network
I am calling BLT the breakthrough movie for Asian Americans. Saw it and got to meet with Justin at the end of the screening in Houston. Let's make this a blockbuster hit so that more Asian Americans will get a chance to be recognized in mainstream media.
04/14/03 01:52
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Name: Long Nguyen
E-mail: nguyen4223@yahoo.com
Web Page: Video Art
Justin, you are the asian man of the moment. You're not only a great filmmaker, you're an Asian American icon.
04/14/03 00:41
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Name: cool
E-mail: roxeelux@aol.com
I hope this will open doors to many other Asian-American filmmmakers, and give us more visibility in the American media. We need more movies about us, that are more 3 dimensional, and not just the usual stereotypes.
04/13/03 21:28
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