Watch Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon from 2018 is a dark comedy drama directed by H.P. Mendoza. The movie revolves around a Filipino-American family that undergoes a lot of upheavals, both emotional and physical, as they get together to celebrate Christmas. The film's lead actors are Jon Norman Schneider, Patrick Epino, and Brian Rivera. It premiered at the CAAMFest in San Francisco in 2018 before heading to the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

At the heart of this movie is the interplay between immigrant cultures and the American one. It tackles racial tensions, cultural conflicts, family dynamics, mental health, and the complications of being gay in the conservative society. Bitter Melon's central message is about how one's past and family background shape their identity but don't necessarily dictate their future.

The movie jumps off right from the get-go with the character Troy (Jon Norman Schneider) entering a convenience store with a kitchen knife in hand, dressed in a hoodie to mask his face. He ends up stabbing his older brother Chad (Brian Rivera), who bleeds out on the floor, while the store clerk and some customers watch in horror.

The story then flashes back to two weeks before the incident, where the family is assembling at their home in Daly City, California, to celebrate the holidays. Family member Mina (Maiy Ann Villanueva) is hosting Christmas this year, while Adam (Patrick Epino) has flown in with his white boyfriend (Corey Jackson) from New York. These two events mark the first time the whole family has brought their significant others home.

As the family members gather and prepare for the celebration, the suppressed resentment, bitterness and unresolved tensions slowly bubble up to the surface. The family's conversations are peppered with racist jokes, gay slurs, and criticism.

Troy's character is particularly interesting as the outcast and black sheep of the family. He has the most complex journey in the film, not least of all because he is hiding a dark secret. He is gay and has been keeping it from his family for years.

Throughout the movie, Troy grapples with the dual conflicts of being gay and having grown up in a culture that reveres masculinity. He despises his brother Chad, who is a swaggering douche who oozes toxic masculinity. Chad taunts Troy at every turn, and they get into physical altercations as the family transitions from a passive-aggressive atmosphere to all-out war.

The cinematography is evocative of the mood of the film, dim and murky, with static shots that linger on characters, who are often framed to highlight their isolation, even when they're in a group.

The tension in Bitter Melon is palpable, sometimes simmering under the surface, other times exploding loudly. It takes a sharp look at traditional Filipino values, clashes between generations, and the pressures of conforming to mainstream ideals. The film also talks about Filipino food and how it's a significant part of their culture.

The cast of Bitter Melon is fantastic. The performers portray their characters with such ease, that it feels like watching a real dysfunctional family. Patrick Epino's Adam comes off as the voice of reason amidst the chaos around him. His character shows us that choosing to be American means embracing the country's diversity and celebrating it, without resenting or erasing one's culture.

The writing is biting and provocative, but also incredibly relatable and entertaining, giving the movie its dark comedy tone. The film seamlessly weaves serious topics into the narrative while delivering jokes that balance discomfort with laughter.

However, Bitter Melon is not for everyone. It has scenes of violence and disturbing themes that may trigger some viewers. This film's success lies in its ability to connect with its audience on a personal level, as it explores the uncertainty and pain that comes with wanting acceptance, love, and a place in a world that doesn't always seem to offer it.

Overall, Bitter Melon is an emotional and powerful film that understands the complexities of people and their relationships. It is one of the best dramas from 2018 that examines the complexities of the Filipino-American experience. The film is sure to resonate with people who are looking for movies that push boundaries or those interested in stories about immigrants' lives, their struggles, and their relationships.

Bitter Melon is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 59.