Asian American Film: HaikuFu

"Perfect Score" / Leonard Nam contest

01.29 - Posted by Editor

"Perfect Score" / Leonardo Nam contest

A big Hollywood movie called "The Perfect Score" opens this weekend around the country -- and remarkably enough, the film features an Asian American character played by Leonardo Nam in a co-starring role. The film tells the story of a group of kids who plot to steal the answers to a standardized test. Here's Leonardo's bio:
LEONARDO NAM (Roy) was born in Argentina and at age six moved to Sydney, Australia, where he later attended Sydney Technical High School. He studied architecture at the University of New South Wales before leaving to pursue an acting career in New York City.

While in New York, Nam was involved in several theater productions, including “The Velvet Rut,” “Howling Wilderness” and “No Mother to Guide Her” directed by Jim Simpson and performed at The Flea Theatre. He trained at the New York Shakespeare Festival/Public Theatre and the Herbert Berghoff Studio, both in Manhattan. He has also trained at the Actors Lab in Sydney, Australia.
Nam’s film credits include “Meridian” directed by Philipp Wolter and “Educated” directed by Georgia Lee. He is currently shooting the feature film “The Debate Club.”
As Angry Asian Man has noted, the "Perfect Score" trailer scores points for avoiding the cliche of the Asian American whiz kid -- Nam's character seems to be the stoner/slacker comic relief, which is at least different.

Here's a clip, in Quicktime, featuring Nam:

So the fine folks at the "Perfect Score" are providing AsianAmericanFilm.com with a bundle of "Perfect Score" beanies and jerseys for us to provide to our readers. And what better way to distribute the goods than to sponsor a li'l contest?

Win "Perfect Score" gear!

Write a haiku using Leonardo Nam for inspiration. Remember traditional Haiku form - three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third. Submit your haiku as a comment to this article. Be sure to include a valid email address if you'd like to be considered for a prize!

Several winners will be selected by AsianAmericanFilm.com staff from the submitted entries.
Example Haiku:

Leonardo Nam
May be from Australia
But that's cool by me.
Tear it up!

UPDATE: At long last, the winners have been chosen! The three top haiku are:

Leonardo Nam
Proves to the movie public:
We too can get high.
ME-L

Whiz kid, slacker, jock?
Yes. No. Maybe. But always
Leonardo Nam.
Lawrence

Leonardo...hmm
Named for Renaissance master?
Or Ninja Turtle?
Dean Inouye

Congratulations ME-L, Lawrence, and Dean!

dude,if it makes you feel any better i hate crows!! If i were happy (which im not half the time..yeah) i would SO totally make out with you!!! _<
i <3 penguins and not crows

Posted by: Jadden on November 27, 2005 02:41 AM

hello I'm frenche I 13 years I like "the perfect score" waoooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!! I cry because i like the U.S.A. but I live in france you are my acteur favorit

Posted by: Maxime Escolar on August 19, 2005 04:42 PM

When an asian actor/actress makes it in some way, there is commentary on their ethnic background- good or bad. But the focal point is mostly revolving around their ethnic culture.

Acting is being someone different, and I am sure that is the appeal for actors and performers.

Why do people always bring it back to racism of the film or the roles, producers, actors, etc. After all, WE as Asian community can always VOICE our opinions more strongly, or not take those roles and make our own films. But we can't expect Hollywood to be sensitive or AWARE of political correctness. African Americans have made Hollywood more AWARE of being politically correct, and they show support for films and performers in the African American community.

We either criticize the performers or we criticize the filmmakers. More support, go these movies and put your money in the box offices... is needed instead of criticism.

Posted by: YD on April 23, 2004 04:02 PM