This gem (which came out in 2020) can also be found on Netflix, but it does not boast a star-studded ensemble cast like the last movie I reviewed, nor is it directed by the famous (or is it infamous?) Garry Marshal. This indie film, written and directed by Alice Wu, has a cast of relative unknowns, but big stars aren't what makes epic movies and this movie... Well, I'll let my review speak for itself.
I'm going to be honest. When I watched this movie for the first time, I was in love. The story, the characters, the setting, everything about it was perfect. I did not become disillusioned of this notion when I re-watched the film to show it to my children.
One of my favorite things about this story is the non-typical romance that exists within its borders, but does not play out like you might expect. Another thing is that it has a more realistic, bittersweet, ending. And a third thing is that the characters feel more like real people. The English teacher who knows Ellie is writing other kids papers but doesn't report her because "then I'd have to read whatever they wrote", the popular jock who thinks the entire world revolves around him, the popular pretty girl who doesn't really like being popular but goes along to get along, the less popular geeky jock who isn't the star of the team so no one really pays him any mind, the racist bully kids, the ultra conservative small town that seems like a black hole, and finally the main character.
The story follows teenage Chinese immigrant Ellie Chu who is very mature for her age because she has to be. Her father, who has found a roadblock in his career path (this is heavily implied to be because of discrimination) and whose wife has died years prior to the beginning of the film, is very obviously depressed. He sits around the house watching old movies while his daughter takes care of the responsibilities that should fall on his shoulders. Ellie makes money by writing essays for her classmates, which she passes out during band practice and by playing the organ for the local church's services. The opening scene, so important to pulling a viewer in, does its job to perfection. It sets up the whole movie:
As Ellie gets ready for school, she prints out copies of essays putting a different name on each. Then she checks items off a list she has written, gives herself a little pep talk and heads out the door to bike what seems like more than a mile to school. As she struggles uphill some racist bullies drive by yelling "chugga-chugga-chu-chu" this is both in reference to her Chinese name and the fact that her father works tending the railroad crossing. At school, she waits until the music teacher begins announcements and then passes out the essays folded inside the music books. Then, the choir begins to practice and the love interest comes on. The beautiful Aster Flores begins to sing "You Fill up My Senses" in an angelic voice and the camera pans, first to an enraptured Ellie, then outside to a young jock (Paul Munsky) who also seems entranced by the sound, so much so, that he lets an errant ball hit him. He is told to "pay attention" and goes back to practice.
Paul, who has never gotten up the courage to approach the beautiful Aster himself, asks Ellie's help in drafting a love letter. Ellie, who needs the money to pay the utilities before they are shut off, reluctantly agrees, and the triangle begins. Aster and Ellie exchange letters, but Aster believes she is communicating with Paul. Aster is dating a popular jock who is also rich but she doesn't feel as lucky as everyone else seems to think. She is looking for substance and the jock (Trig Carson) just doesn't bring that to the table. She finds an escape in "Paul's" letters and allows herself to get pulled in.
I really liked that this movie featured an LGBT main character without making that the primary focus for her arc. Yes, she is in love with Aster (at first from afar, more over time as she gets to know her through the letters), but there is so much more to her character. Her friendship with Paul also begins to blossom as they keep writing the letters and she resigns herself to cheering him on rather than getting what she really wants. As with any relationship rooted in deceit, things eventually come out. I don't want to spoil it, so I won't say more than that, but the climax was exceptional, and the ending was perfect.
I give this movie a 10/10, I would rate it higher if I could.
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