Watch Ms. Purple

"Ms. Purple" is a poignant drama film that explores the struggles of familial relationships, identity, and the immigrant experience. Directed by Justin Chon, the film centers around Kasie (Tiffany Chu) a young woman living in the outskirts of Los Angeles who works as a karaoke hostess to support her comatose father (James Kang). Kasie is estranged from her brother, Carey (Teddy Lee) who moved out after their mother left them. As Kasie juggles her job, caregiving, and paying off her father's medical bills, she reconnects with Carey who unexpectedly steps in to help her out.

Through their relationship, the film delves into their upbringing and the sacrifices their parents made to provide a better life for them in America. The story is anchored by flashbacks of their childhood in Korea, and their father's presence serves as a constant reminder of their past.

Octavio Pisano plays Octavio, one of Kasie's regular clients at the karaoke bar. He is a successful attorney and offers Kasie an escape from her reality. However, their relationship is complicated as Octavio is unaware of Kasie's personal struggles and the nature of her job. Jake Choi, who plays the character of Markus, also has a significant role in the movie as a member of Kasie's past. His arrival highlights the sense of longing Kasie has for a life she never got to experience.

Courtney Bandeko as the character of Mia, Kasie's childhood friend who is now a successful restaurant owner, serves as a symbol for Kasie's unfulfilled dreams. Mia and Kasie reconnect, and Mia offers her a job at the restaurant. Through Mia, Kasie is transported to a world she didn't think was possible for her, demonstrating that the American Dream is attainable.

The film is a visual masterpiece with stunning cinematography by Ante Cheng. The use of colors in the film is breathtaking; each shot is like a painting. The music complements the visuals and adds to the emotional impact of the film. The soundtrack was composed by Roger Suen and includes a mix of traditional Korean music and contemporary music.

Overall, "Ms. Purple" is a beautiful and emotional film that captures the immigrant experience uniquely. The performances by the cast are excellent, and Tiffany Chu, in particular, gives a gut-wrenching performance. The story is relatable, and the themes resonate with anyone who has ever felt the longing for something beyond what their current surroundings offer. The film's title, "Ms. Purple," references the color that represents independence, creativity, and ambition. The film does an excellent job of exploring these themes and showcasing the struggle of the immigrant experience in America.

Ms. Purple is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 71.