Critical Distance: ETHAN MAO Turns 15
Love will tear us apart, according to Joy Division, which may explain why Ethan Mao (2004) still tears me apart.
Ever since I saw it on videotape, prior to its world premiere at AFI Fest in Los Angeles in November 2004, Ethan Mao and filmmaker Quentin Lee have held a special place in my heart. As you might expect, this has as much or more to do with my own life and experiences as it does with the film, a drama about a gay Asian-American man who comes out, gets kicked out, and then finds out what life is really about.
Quoting from one of my previous articles on his work, Quentin Lee "has made a variety of features, ranging from the emotional drama Ethan Mao to the teen trauma of White Frog to the fizzy romance of The People I've Slept With. He's explored horror before in his graphic novel Campus Ghost Story and The Unbidden (2016)."
Watching Ethan Mao again for the first time in several years, it strikes me that Lee always tends to follow his muse in an unguarded manner. The film itself shows the limitations of its probably non-existent budget, but what continues to buoy the entire enterprise are the strong performances and Lee's genuine passion for telling the story.
Some years ago, in the long-lost and personally beloved Cinematical, I named Ethan Mao as one of the 10 best independent films of the decade. I should have added "...for me." For me, the urgency and the personal connection I feel to the film and its themes remain as relevant and as vibrant as ever. In 2004, I was struggling to reinvent myself. Ethan Mao spoke to me. In 2019, I am still plagued by guilt over past mistakes and misdeeds, especially those by which I hurt and offended good people. I'd like to think I'm closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a better person; Ethan Mao still speaks to me.
Per a prepared statement: "In connection with Kicking off LGBT Pride Month, The 15th Anniversary Restored Edition of Ethan Mao world premieres on June 8 at 8 p.m. at the Japanese American National Museum with Live Appearance by the Director Quentin Lee and the Original Cast. ... The film is written and directed by Quentin Lee, starring Jun Hee Lee, Raymond Ma, Julia Nickson, Kevin Kleinberg, Jerry Hernandez and David Tran. The digital restoration was supported by UCLA Film & TV Archive and Outfest's Legacy Project."
Ethan Mao will be available on VOD worldwide on June 18 via iTunes, CHOPSO and Amazon Instant Video.
Here's the original AFI Fest program notes from November 2014:
A psychological thriller, a familial drama and a surprising love story all rolled into one under the assured direction of Quentin Lee. Kicked out of his house because he's gay, Ethan returns in secret to collect a few prized possessions. An angry confrontation results in Ethan taking the family hostage. ...
Facades fall away when everyday family life is hijacked by extreme situations. This genre-busting film blends drama, thriller and romance into a singular coming-of-age journey for the titular character. Newcomer Jun Hee Lee's innocent face and straightforward portrayal help illuminate a troubled adolescent buffeted by life's storms.
Eighteen-year-old Ethan Mao's life starts to spin out of control following back-to-back traumatic events: an attempted robbery at the family restaurant and his father's discovery that Ethan is gay. Out on his own, he leads a hustler's sketchy life until he meets another street kid, Remigio, who offers sanctuary. Ethan later convinces Remigio to take him home to collect some belongings, including a necklace that belonged to his deceased mother. When his family returns unexpectedly, a hostage situation results in confrontations and revelations for all concerned.
Writer/director Quentin Lee (SHOPPING FOR FANGS) draws on influences from Thomas Hardy to Gus Van Sant to craft a story thoroughly modern in its examination of one gay Asian teenager's struggle to claim his place in life. Using subtle shifts in sound and music, a voyeuristic camera and unexpected narrative jump cuts, Lee subtly frames the disorienting world of ETHAN MAO.
