Watch Year of the Fish

In 2007, the movie Year of the Fish was released, featuring an all-Asian cast and a unique animation style. The film revolves around Ye Xian (played by An Nguyen), a young Chinese immigrant who comes to New York City and finds herself working in a massage parlor to make ends meet. Ye Xian is the modern-day retelling of the Chinese Cinderella story, a tale that has been told and retold in various forms throughout the centuries.

Ye Xian's struggles to make a living in the big city are compounded by her lack of English language skills and the discrimination she faces as an immigrant. However, when she meets a magical fish (voiced by Tsai Chin), she is given a chance to turn her life around. The fish grants her wishes, but at a cost - she has to pay back the fish over time.

As Ye Xian begins to climb the ladder of success in the massage parlor, she becomes embroiled in a world of drugs and violence. She must navigate the shady underworld of the city's criminal elements while also trying to pay off her debt to the fish. Along the way, she meets a variety of characters, including the handsome musician Johnny (Ken Leung) and the wise old man Auntie Yaga (Randall Duk Kim).

Despite the challenges she faces, Ye Xian remains determined to succeed and make a better life for herself. Through persistence and hard work, she slowly but surely gains the upper hand over her adversaries. She also learns important lessons about the true cost of her success and the importance of staying true to oneself.

One of the most notable aspects of Year of the Fish is its animation style, which blends 2D hand-drawn animation with rotoscope techniques to create a unique visual experience. The rotoscope technique involves tracing over live-action footage, giving the animation a more realistic feel. The film's director, David Kaplan, has said that the rotoscope technique was used to capture the nuances of the actors' performances and to give the animation a more authentic feel.

The film also features a standout performance from Tsai Chin as the voice of the magical fish. Chin, a veteran actress who has appeared in films such as You Only Live Twice and The Joy Luck Club, brings a gravitas and otherworldly quality to the role. Similarly, Ken Leung delivers a nuanced performance as Johnny, bringing depth and heart to the character.

Year of the Fish is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that tells a tale of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. It is a film that celebrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit, while also shining a light on the challenges faced by immigrants and others who are marginalized by society. The film's unique animation style and powerful performances make it a must-see film for fans of animation and drama alike.