Tape (2024) - Film Review

      Tape, 2024.

      Directed by Bizhan M. Tong.

      Starring Adam Pak, Kenny Kwan, Selena Lee.

      SYNOPSIS:

      After fifteen years, three former classmates come together in Hong Kong, compelled to face challenging memories from their past. It has been a decade and a half since their high school days, and now they find themselves in a hotel room, confronting hidden truths. Jon (Kenny Kwan), a filmmaker, has returned to his hometown for a festival presentation. Meanwhile, Wing (Adam Pak) balances his role as a part-time lifeguard with the illicit side of drug dealing. Along with wanting to indulge in drinks and smoke with his friend, Wing has a hidden agenda for inviting Jon, which becomes evident when their conversation turns to his first love, Amy (Salena Lee). The mood in the room changes dramatically, especially when Amy arrives, clearly revealing Wing’s motivations for the reunion.

      This film presents a vibrant, stylish, and impactful reinterpretation of Richard Linklater’s 2001 film, Tape, effectively delving into the complexities of facing the past. Both Linklater and original writer Stephen Belber are attached to this remake, with the important addition of story contributions from Salena Lee, who plays Amy. Shifting the setting from the United States to Hong Kong enriches the narrative context significantly, beyond being just a stylistic choice.

      The film resonates strongly in a time when women often hesitate to speak out against abuse due to fears of judgment and professional consequences. Those interested in Asian cultural nuances and gender dynamics will discover profound insights within this film. It adeptly delivers emotional storytelling and layered drama in real-time, immersing viewers in the characters’ intense experiences.

      While it's not necessary to watch the 2001 film first, it’s fascinating to see the substantial updates made by directors Bizhan M. Tong and Salena Lee. One of the most significant changes, without revealing too much, is the addition of an introduction and conclusion featuring the characters fifteen years earlier. This could have easily detracted from the original's “single location” concept, but it’s executed successfully. The effectiveness lies in its refocusing on Amy, a high school graduate brimming with youthful aspirations and dreams.

      By incorporating these past snippets via camcorder footage, the new Tape transforms into a narrative about two tapes: one from 2009 and another from 2024. This clever narrative device underscores how memory evolves and can be “re-edited” with new perspectives, adding a captivating psychological dimension to the project. This insightful exploration of memory and viewpoint creates a compelling viewing experience.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert W Monk