Critically acclaimed and original drama exploring deep rooted distrust between Korean and African American families, set amid the backdrop of the infamous 1992 LA Riots
Eli and Daniel, two Korean American brothers, own a struggling shoe store and have an unlikely friendship with Kamilla, a street wise 11-year-old African American girl. Kamilla ditches school, Eli stresses about the store, and Daniel tries to have a good time. It’s just another typical day at the store until the Rodney King verdict is read and riots break out. With the chaos moving towards them, the trio is forced to defend the store while contemplating the future of their own personal dreams and the true meaning of family.
USA | 2017 | 94 mins
Director
Justin ChonGenre
DramaWriter
Justin ChonLanguages
English
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Reviews
This is a pretty decent film. The acting is on point, making the characters come alive with emotions that hit you right in the feels. The plot is easy to follow, but still has a lot of depth, with the main themes being cross-racial friendship and racial tensions present in LA during the 1992 riots. I also was intrigued by the decision to go black and white. It gives the whole movie this cool period film vibe, like you've stepped back into the '90s. The lack of colour makes it seem a bit more realistic, if you know what I mean. It's a bold move that totally pays off, making "Gook" stand out in a sea of films. In a nutshell, "Gook" is a must-watch. It's got the right mix of great performances, an engaging plot, and a visual style that sets it apart. Thumbs up from me!
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