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Eli and Daniel, two Korean American brothers, own a struggling shoe store and have an unlikely friendship with Kamilla, a street wise 11-year-old African American girl. Kamilla ditches school, Eli stresses about the store, and Daniel tries to have a good time. It's just another typical day at the store until the Rodney King verdict is read and riots break out. With the chaos moving towards them, the trio is forced to defend the store while contemplating the future of their own personal dreams and the true meaning of family.
Chon's tale is ... praiseworthy, from its beautiful cinematography (by Ante Cheng in her feature debut) to its take on infamous events from a fresh perspective.
Stark and incisive, with many moments of levity, Gook offers a rare look at impoverished Americans trying to get on with their lives in impossible circumstances.
The film isn't perfect - Mr. Chon's wild camera motions seem more undisciplined than electric - but it does find an angle on the riots that hasn't been seen much onscreen.
[John] Chon shows a definite talent for drawing out strong performances from his actors, as well as marshaling expressive imagery that's enhanced by Roger Suen's lyrical music score.
The racial discussions happening throughout are far from simplistic or rudimentary, this fearless multidimensionality giving Chon's script an impressive edge that's invigorating.
Justin Chon looks at bigotry through the eyes of two Korean brothers in L.A.'s South Central in 1992. The result is hardass yet hypnotically beautiful.