Movie Review: ‘Rosemead’

Lucy Liu firmly grasps the chance to lead a film, which is based on the real-life story of an ailing Taiwanese mother and her troubled teenage son.

Lucy Liu stars in 'Rosemead'. Photo: Vertical.

In theaters expanding its release on December 9 is ‘Rosemead,’ a taught, powerful new drama that spotlights the troubles of Asian American parents struggling to deal with mental health issues among their teenage children.

Directed by Eric Lin (the ‘Hearts Beat Loud’ cinematographer makes his directorial debut here), the ‘Rosemead’ cast is led by Lucy Liu (‘Kill Bill'), Lawrence Shou and Madison Hu (‘The Brothers Sun’).

Initial Thoughts

(L to R) Lucy Liu and Lawrence Shou star in 'Rosemead'. Photo: Vertical.

Given that the true story it is based upon is full of tragedy and pain, you should certainly go into ‘Rosemead’ expecting some downbeat developments.

But don’t let that deter you from a powerful and thoughtful movie that boasts a typically great performance from Lucy Liu, here fully taking the chance to shine in a difficult, nuanced role.

Script and Direction

Director Eric Lin on the set of 'Rosemead'. Photo: Vertical.

With a script from Marilyn Fu (‘The Sisterhood of Night’) which also features additional writing from director Eric Lin, ‘Rosemead’ has its roots in an L.A. Times article by Frank Shyong about a Laotian mother living in the US who discovered her teen son’s disturbing fascination with school shootings even as he lived with schizophrenia.

Director Lin finds the sensitivity in the story, focusing on an aspect of Asian American life not often touched upon, and bringing it to screens with the plenty care and thoughtfulness.

Cast and Performances

(L to R) Lucy Liu and Lawrence Shou star in 'Rosemead'. Photo: Vertical.

Lucy Liu is the clear standout here; given the chance to really show what she can do as an actor, she proves she’s more than capable of filling out a character and bringing real heart and depth to a complicated person.

She’s well supported by Lawrence Shou, who makes his feature film acting debut, and has the equally tough job of portraying her son, Joe, who grapples with his own demons.

Final Thoughts

Lucy Liu stars in 'Rosemead'. Photo: Vertical.

‘Rosemead’ is a painfully sad story, but also a vital one, and has urgent things to say about the lack of communication between different generations of families, but particularly in the Asian American communities where silence can be as dangerous as fraught emotion.

‘Rosemead’ receives 72 out of 100.