Falling for Grace (2006) User Reviews

More like Maid in Manhattan

[mapleleaf321 · 7/10 · 23 August 2007]

Just came out of the screening in San Francisco today. Good audience reaction. Being an SAF, I'm all about supporting Asian American films. Yes, this is a clichéd romantic comedy. But the director and the actors do get the Asian family dynamics dead on. I was impressed by the actors they were able to get for this film e.g. Christine Baranski.

There is a slightly clever subplot to the film but I don't want to give it away. The business/legal issues portrayed in the film could have only been thought of by Fay's business school friends.

I liked Margaret Cho as the female best friend/sidekick. I think she could continue to play that role well in many other future films (Asian and non-Asian). If she doesn't mind being typecast as such.

OK, that's it for my very first film review!

Am Asian Maid In Manhattan

[djbrown-00897 · 5/10 · 31 March 2020]

I cannot understand the love for Falling For Grace. Why? It is a rip-off of Maid In Manhattan. The ending showing pictures of the characters and what happened to them is proof of this. So was the mistaken identity/Cinderella concept with the hard working woman ending up with a guy who is above her social class. I admit to not liking Maid In Manhattan even a little bit ( I prefer crime, action and western films), but I suppose neither film is targeted towards me. Between the two of them I prefer Falling For Grace. Why? The filming in Chinatown. I lived not far from there in 2006, so I know the area quite well, and the streets and even the stores are authentic. I am giving the movie 5/10 stars. All for the accuracy of the settling

Before there was "Crazy Rich Asians" ...

[MikeNTxs · 7/10 · 22 September 2019]

There isn't much here that's unpredictable, but that doesn't make it less fun.

It doesn't spoil anything to tell you that Grace Tang, a young and successful Chinese-American woman is soon misidentified, leading to deeper and deeper complications in her life.

This movie isn't a 10 and it isn't a 3. Unlike Grace, it neither more nor less than it pretends to be, but like Grace it is good at what it is.

Just watch and enjoy this little uplifting film for its feel-good romance. .

Deserves to be seen

[henry_der · 1 September 2007]

Kudos to Fay Ann Lee and her excellent cast for an enjoyable film experience! With a much smaller budget, "Falling for Grace" stands right up there with "Maid in Manhattan," "Wedding Planner," and others that have a strong female lead without succumbing to stereotypes of others. Very well-directed with the right touch of humor, the entire film cast gave authenticity to personal yearnings and conflicts and cultural differences, within the context of everyday New York City life and a Chinese family. Best wishes for a successful distribution of your film because it deserves to be seen by many, including those who may need a comedic break as they work through their personal situations and challenges.

Nothing like Cinderella

[pogirlshines · 7/10 · 26 May 2018]

**May contain spoilers***Decent acting. It was a little corny in parts but a very entertaining movie. Larger stars did not have many lines and were not germane to the plot except tycoon dad. I admit their names got me to watch in the first place. Not sure why I decided to watch this since I don't care for deceit as a story line, but glad I did. Good job acting, directing and editing for the most part.

Great to see Asians but a not so good film overall

[ricedoll · 3/10 · 8 August 2007]

Well what I can say about this movie is that it's great to see so many Asian faces. What I didn't like about the film was that it was full of stereotypes of what typical racial characters would do in their role. The Asian girl without confidence who has to play someone else to get ahead, the white guy infatuated with Asian culture and chooses to leave his white world behind for the land of yellow and the "keeping it real" black cab driver. Plus all the coke, shanghai tang and dunkin donuts product placement was a bit too obvious. The story plot itself was fun but pretty much how I thought the story would unravel. Then again when watching romantic comedies you can't expect much but then again I would have been wanted to just be surprised at least once. The parents are the best part of the flick.

Comedy of errors; needs better acting and a tighter script.

[suite92 · 4/10 · 6 September 2013]

Cinematography: 7/10 Way too much soft focus.

Sound: 7/10 Fine for the English speakers. The incidental music is cloying.

Acting: 5/10 This is a mixed bag, to say the least. BD Wong, Lewis Black, Christine Baranski, Ato Essandoh, Roger Rees, and Margaret Cho were fine. Christine Baranski was the best; her discussion with Andrew Jr about how he had to marry Kay was one of the most genuine moments in the film. On the other hand, Fay Ann Lee, Gale Harold, Stephanie March, and Ken Leung were much less satisfying, with Gale Harold being the absolute worst.

Screenplay: 4/10 There were too many clichés from the romantic comedy field. I have nothing against clichés; even the oldest can be funny if done right. There were only a few recognizable attempts at humor. I found myself thinking that I should be laughing at this, but I did not laugh once.

An Asian-American Cinderella Story

[ducdebrabant · 8/10 · 9 May 2006]

"East Broadway" is an entrant in the Cinderella sweepstakes, and makes absolutely no bones about it. It is very handsomely photographed (it's shot like a mainstream movie, on 35mm film) and uses its New York setting -- Chinatown, Central Park, Chelsea Piers, the Upper East Side, etc. -- effectively. It's a romantic comedy with a central mistaken identity plot, a few subplots, and an original contribution to make in its interracial theme.

The comparison will inevitably be made by W.A.S.P.s like myself to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," with Grace's Chinese identity being simply a variable in the minority/ majority equation, but that comparison will be very much beside the point, I've learned, to anybody Asian. Nia Vardalos being Greek does absolutely nothing to gratify Chinese-Americans (unless they identify with it) but Grace being Chinese does plenty. When I saw the film on Friday, I was sitting next to 5 Chinese-American girls who were grooving on the picture, and there were many other Chinese-Americans in the audience reacting strongly.

Apparently it's not been uncommon for Chinese people to speak to one another in American films using not only wildly different accents but different dialects -- a question in Mandarin would receive a reply in Cantonese. I'd be none the wiser, but a Chinese-American would be offended, and Lee was very careful that this film would be nothing of the kind. To the scenes in Grace's family's apartment, which were delightful to me subtitled, the reaction from the Chinese in the audience was simply uproarious – not just amusement but veritable Christmas morning delight. Before any Caucasian dismisses the film as unoriginal, such proprietary reactions should give him pause.

A film that stakes a claim to the romantic comedy genre, and to the Cinderella story, on behalf of Chinese-Americans, using all the familiar conventions of the genre, is staking an equal claim to those conventions, and consciously. Why eschew anything that can be made common cultural property in such an enterprise? The conventions, the expectations, the accustomed devices, are part of the loot. Using them is making a statement that they're yours as much as anybody's now that you've arrived. "East Broadway" – even in its conventionality – should be viewed as a triumphant statement of arrival.

Gale Harold looks great and turns on the romance (the kissing scene is pretty hot) but I see more than a standard-issue Prince Charming, and I think others will too. There's such mystery about him. We are left wanting more. Fay Ann Lee is attractive (if no Gong Li) and exudes intelligence. The supporting cast is good. Roger Rees chews the scenery a tad, but is more convincing as Gale's father than one might expect. Margaret Cho and B.D. Wong are particularly delightful. Ken Leung as the brother, and Clem Cheung and Elizabeth Sung as the parents, are extremely effective.

This film will stand or fall on audience reaction, and the audience I saw it with reacted strongly. The audience at the other four Tribeca screenings apparently did so as well. It's a crowd pleaser, not a critical darling, but it does exactly what it sets out to do, and what it sets out to be is partly an artifact of social progress. How many films achieve even their modest aims, and how many have even this much originality?

Avoid this movie ..

[fardated · 1/10 · 8 January 2009]

In what I can say was a theft of my time I was taken to see this movie and I must say what a horrible experience. Fay Ann Lee is a terrible actress and is unconvincing in this movie. Larryjoe76 is obviously a shill reviewer. The plot is thin to say the least, the Cantonese dialog is not funny. See this movie at your peril.

David Tang from Shanghai Tang should be after the movie for the little or no revenue this movie will generate. The banal plot attempts to compete with other rom-coms out there, and just blends into the scenery. It was like watching paint dry.

In short this movie was a total waste of time and space. I've seen better movies on youtube.

Falling for Grace: The Feel Good Movie this Summer

[elisa_parker · 10/10 · 25 July 2007]

"Falling for Grace" is a wonderful film that pulls on all those heart strings and is the perfect film for the entire family. My young daughters enjoyed it just as much as their grandparents. I loved the story line and the fact that the character, Grace is an intelligent, successful woman.

This movie is more than just a romantic comedy with a predictable ending. It provides a window to the life in Chinatown and the struggles around race, class, and gender. The most enduring parts of the film are Grace's relationship with her family. I could relate to Grace's connection with her parents, her challenges in the corporate world, and her childhood dreams and desires to shine.

Finally a film that stars an Asian American actor. Considering this is Fay Lee's first feature film, I think she did an incredible job. This movie far exceeds Maid in Manhattan...better story line, believable characters, and more depth. If you want to experience an uplifting and wonderful film, go see "Falling for Grace", you'll love it.

Living North of East Broadway and LOVING this movie!

[ElkeNYC · 10/10 · 1 May 2006]

I just come out of a screening of the movie shown during the Tribeca Film Fest and I've had the chance to tell the director directly how I felt about her movie: I want to thank you for making such a wonderful movie. I am a fan of romantic comedies, so I am watching many of it and I haven't seen a movie in years that I enjoyed that much. Such a big pleasure, every single minute of it! I think the screenplay is great, the actors - the director plays the female lead herself - are terrific and the dialog is very believable. The view we get from New York is way more real than in many other New York movies. This is a New Yorker's view and not Hollywood and yet, the film never feels "indie" or "small". It's also never insignificant but important in the topics like immigration, sweat shops, unionized labor, etc. that it touches.

I laughed at many times during the movie and I also cried a bit - it's quite touching without being sentimental. I'd like to recommend East Broadway to everybody who's in for a special treat. I am wishing the director and her crew all the best - hopefully they'll find a distributor soon! 10 out 10 points!

Falling For Grace - LOL funny and very charming!

[cschristoph · 10/10 · 16 September 2007]

Saw the film in Sausalito. Walked by the Marin Theater and saw a flier the producers were handing out describing the movie as charming. I don't usually go for romantic comedies but this lived up to their advertising. It is a really charming film with interesting twists, LOL funny in places and really endearing family scenes. I even choked up in a couple of places. All the actors were great and the two lead characters, Grace and Andrew, had wonderful believable chemistry. So often in movies like this chemistry between the two leads seemed forced. In Falling For Grace, you really want the two of them to get together in the end. The only actors I recognized were Margaret Cho, Christine Baranksi and Lewis Black and they were all great. The Chinese family I had never seen before but they were excellent. T The producer was there at the end and he gave interesting details that added to the wonderful theater going experience. I totally recommend!

I Fell for Grace

[larryjoe76 · 8/10 · 21 January 2008]

This film had its Arizona premiere near my hometown, in Lakeside, AZ. By a strange turn of events, I now find myself doing a kind of bootlegging marketing campaign for a film that desperately needs some more attention. So here goes:

Falling for Grace is the story of Grace Tang — a street-smart business gal — who meets Andrew Barrington Jr., son of a high-profile businessman at a high-society event. While stepping lightly around other socialites, Grace is mistaken for Grace Tang, a wealthy woman who owns "Shanghai Tang," a boutique on Madison Ave. Here Chinatown and the Cinderella story collide.

The content stews together into a rather atypical romantic comedy. The Chinese overtones of the film are multi-faceted, from an anti-sweatshop subplot to the hilarious and highly believable conversations between Grace, her brother Ming and her parents. Nearly a quarter of the dialogue — and some of the funniest scenes in the film — was delivered in Cantonese and subtitled in English.

This was just a fabulous little movie, one had the feel of a big-bucks feature with the unpredictability of an indie film. The cast was great and the character development had the right mix of believable dialogue, family interaction and jokes in Cantonese.

In short, this film was well-written, witty, and slyly sweet.

Falling for Grace - yeah, I can do that

[a_palmatum · 9/10 · 14 September 2007]

All aspects of the production were extremely well done. This is an indie that was put together by big kids who know their business. Things like camera work, editing, lighting and sound were really paid due attention. Also impressive were sets, costuming and especially casting and acting. I don't often see this, but all the moving parts (people, places and things) meshed together beautifully. The director and editor both did a superb job.

The only thing I can reasonably gripe about is that the music choices got sappy at times. But, it's a romantic comedy – not my usual neighborhood.

As to the Whole Package, I left the theater feeling my ten bucks was well spent. But, it's one of those movies that I like better the more it rattles about in my brain. Which it won't. stop. doing. Oh no! As I suggested earlier this isn't my usual fare; but this one is a charmer. If it's in your quadrant, check it out.

Saw Falling For Grace in Washington DC.

[susieitalia88 · 9/10 · 6 August 2007]

I went to Washington DC to see Falling for Grace, and I just want to say how much I enjoyed this movie. It was sweet and funny and I really loved it.

All of the different stories in this movie were good and interesting. I loved Grace and her family, all the scenes with them were really funny and touching. I really liked Margaret Cho and DB Wong's characters in this, they were some really cute scenes with the 2 of them. And what can I say about Gale Harold, he is great as always. It was so nice to see him in such a lighthearted comedy, so unlike all of his other movies and TV shows. He is not only tall and handsome, but he plays a really regular guy who just happens to be rich and successful. I loved his character.

I would really recommend this movie, I saw it twice and hope it is released nationally so that I can see it again. Go and see it this summer, you will not be disappointed.

You'll Find Love in East Broadway....

[wkup · 10/10 · 25 February 2007]

"East Broadway" "Falling for Grace" The film itself is delightful and well-crafted thanks to a script which has more charm and depth than the standard "rom-com" or drama, for that matter.

Fay Ann Lee (who also wrote the script) plays Grace Tang, an upwardly mobile executive for a law firm who, due to a misunderstanding, is believed to be a the daughter of a fashion maven/socialite, which thrusts her into the world of socialites, which includes Andrew Barrington played by Gale Harold a John F. Kennedy Jr. type who wants to stand for more than his family name.

Their tentative road to romance is threatened when Grace's real life collides with Andrew's ambitions.

What I loved about this film is that it's not the standard girl meets boy scenario, but something much more. The storyline is woven with real social issues (such as workers rights, high powered corruption and classism), but is done in such a way that it doesn't come off preachy or cloying.

Another facet of the script that I loved is that it's not a "fish out of water" tale. Grace and Andrew aren't that dissimilar, so the story doesn't revolve their social differences or ethnicities, instead it's about how their lives become intertwined by circumstance.

The performances are all excellent: BD Wong plays Grace's coworker, a seemingly uncouth dude who is enamored with her, Ken Leung who is excellent as the aimless younger brother, Ming. Margaret Cho is her usual vibrant self. The actor who plays Gale's brother-in-law/best (Nick Gregory?) friend is terrific.

Fay Ann Lee is amazing as Grace. She infuses the character with charm, strength and humor, making her a leading lady that anyone can relate to. And the chemistry between herself and Gale Harold is incredible.

I wholeheartedly recommend this film.

Falling for Grace

[comolia · 10/10 · 18 November 2007]

A funny, romantic, modern comedy! A must see! One of the best films I've seen this year! Falling for Grace has a strong cast, and a fantastic story! I highly recommend this film. Fay Ann Lee is an amazing actress, but also an excellent writer and director. Wearing all 3 hats and also creating a great film a difficult feat which she has achieved in spades! This film is a great example to young filmmakers and other artists from all forms of the performing arts: if you believe in your work, and you've got the drive, and the ambition, then don't let anything stop you from achieving your dream - just go for it! And after watching Falling for Grace, the sky's the limit!

FALLING FOR GRACE is a satisfyingly fun, enjoyable entertaining movie by anyone, and more

[ruby_fff · 8/10 · 21 July 2007]

Visit the official website "fallingforgrace.com" and check out the trailer to see for yourself - you will want to go see this movie.

'Falling for Grace' is very much as New York City as Woody Allen's cinematic world. The sound of the metro and the CANAL Street Pictures - the very first image on screen already gives one the New York and Chinatown feeling. If you've been to New York and its Chinatown, there are plenty of NYC locale hints you may recognize - but not a prerequisite. The film's original title is "East Broadway" for the Tribeca Film Festival 2006 entry, hence it's definitely New York, New York. The opening credit roll simply fascinates me: the thoughts behind it having each actor's name with Chinese character translations briskly displaying (equal opportunity whether Asian or not) and the Chinese film title playfully appearing like 'falling' for grace: "Sub Mein Ling Lone" - meaning "in every way refined." Refined being cultivated, polished, elegant, well-conceived. This film with its story, dialog, production details and effort behind it all, is very much 'every way refined.'

You might say the script is ambitious - written by director-producer Fay Ann Lee, who's also in the lead role of Grace Tang - so it is, yet it all comes together unobtrusively as you watch and follow the story unfolds, bringing smiles, chuckles, laughter and tears along the way. The dialog, including the Cantonese portions with easy-read subtitles, are well thought out and timely. Yes, coming out from Margaret Cho (the elegant side we get to see), the word "Jesus" can very well be the most endearingly delivered sound you'd ever heard. So a romantic comedy it is, with hints of political viewpoint on 'sweat shop' vs. big business intertwined, and family values, Chinese traditions rolled into one entertaining movie. A tall order and Fay Ann Lee and team delivered: with Gale Harold as Andrew, and wonderful supporting roles by Clem Cheung as Ba and Elizabeth Sung as Ma - the parents, Ken Leung as Ming the brother, even brief ones like Christine Baranski's 'emotional' line to son Andrew, and Ato Essandoh's Jamal quote so casually uttered at Central Park, "It's better to be disliked for what you are, than to be loved for something that you are not" - it's delightful.

Had waited a year for the film to debut in San Francisco. It was exciting when I first saw the theatrical trailer on screen at Sundance Kabuki two weeks before July 20 - I love it. The trailer is available for repeated 'play again' on Myspacetv.com ("www.myspace.com/fallingforgracemovie"). The catchy song "wonderful crazy" from Katelyn Tarver sure captures the spirit of this film, and it can be heard on both the official site of "East Broadway" ("www.eastbroadwaythemovie.com") and "Falling for Grace" ("www.fallingforgrace.com"): "it's so wonderful crazy, it's so beautiful out of control, kinda scary amazing …cos my life's so wonderful, crazy, crazy, crazy." The official site includes info on the team's trip to China, visit to Tsinghua University in Beijing and the original "Shanghai Tang" in Hong Kong.

It's been worth the wait. "Falling For Grace" is essentially a heartwarming and satisfying romantic comedy, cliché to some or not, it is a bold debut feature effort which can pass for a polished 'Hollywood' movie, and that's not bad at all. But being an independent film without big budget promotions, it definitely needs steady support and word of mouth to keep it circulating for wide distribution and successful following. May this be so. Kudos to the filmmakers of "Falling for Grace."

Really fun movie--awesome family film!

[jjrw4 · 10/10 · 19 January 2008]

My favorite moments of the film were all the insignificant relationship building dialogue where you see people relate to each other. It was just so unexpected and fresh. I mean, they're eating in a Chinese restaurant, Andrew accidentally dunks his wrist in his plate and licks soy sauce off his arm, all the while trying to make Grace understand just who Speed Racer is. I loved it. Sometimes in a romantic comedy you know exactly where the dialogue is going to go, and I was surprised every time.

When my husband said Fay Ann Lee was being interviewed on the local radio and she was at our local theater, I grabbed a friend and took off on an adventure--and what a great adventure it was. Fay Ann Lee is gorgeous, engaging, smart, funny, and personable--just like her movie! I am definitely taking my kids to see this movie, and I'm definitely going to see this movie again in the theater.

A Surprisingly Good Romantic Comedy!

[kerrychesterpalmbeach · 8/10 · 3 January 2015]

A friend of mine kept telling me to watch "Falling for Grace." While I do like romantic comedies, I don't typically like independent comedies - many of which are poorly done with stupid plots. I finally watched it and I was very pleasantly surprised. My friend was right - this really is a romantic comedy that actually has both heart and soul. The movie is about Grace Tang, a banker from New York Chinatown who yearns to be part of Upper East Side society, but her plan backfires when the "Prince Charming" she meets desires to close down the "sweatshop" her mother works in. Don't want to say more but circumstances become as complicated as that in "Working Girl" with some LOL moments reminiscent of the comedy in "Crazy Stupid Love." While the plot is classic romantic comedy, the Chinese family feels utterly authentic. You like them and you want to get to know more about them. The cast is uniformly strong with lots of recognizable New York actors. Kudos to Fay Ann Lee for writing and directing such a strong script. It feels like a big movie and you forget that it's just an awesome independent film. You leave wanting more. Why can't Hollywood romantic comedies make you feel this way?

A wonderful "feel good" movie!

[bhouse · 10/10 · 13 September 2007]

We saw this movie at its premiere in Sausalito, CA this past weekend. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day by San Francisco Bay. The script is well written, the veteran actors are well directed, and the scenes are well shot. The movie has meaningful thematic elements that are serious in nature...but does not present them in a harsh or preachy manner. The movie is billed as a romantic comedy and that it is. It is a delightful movie that is sure to raise the spirits of everyone who sees it. The writer, director and star of the movie (Fay Ann Lee) was present after the movie and discussed it with the audience. What a treat! I highly recommend it!

Surprised by the Depth and Quality

[alpineglobalprivate · 10/10 · 23 February 2012]

I don't review a lot of movies, and I have what I consider to be classics from my point of view. We selected Falling for Grace on a whim on Netflix looking for something on the lighter side. And boy oh boy were we pleasantly surprised. It seems our heroine is a run of the mill girl who wants to be SOMEBODY..well, she gets her chance, in a mistaken circumstance, which spirals into a tangled web, becoming more and more intricate, in every new situation, she must exercise her cleverness to prevent the truth from being revealed, drawing in even her new-found prince charming. As we meet characters, we take them at face value, and learn to love them, and relate to their eccentricities. Fay plays her character with excellence, drawing you into her world and desires, but also feeling her dilemma she has dug with her own actions. There are twists, just like in real life, with hidden benefits as a result, especially for her office friend, caused by a simple turn of events. Each character has a depth of caring and friendship which forms a solid foundation in the movie, and the sense of family is reinforced within her family, and contrasted against the purpose of the rich 'families' and their motivations. You REALLY care deeply for each character, and the sense of just watching real life occur, with no pretense, causes you to forget you are watching a movie, but rather your friends. And good triumphs in the end, as it should. FFG is non-violent, family friendly, uplifting, and just great acting and writing. It will surely be vaulted into your top 100 movies. And of interest, do some research on Fay's background, how the movie came to be, and especially the obstacles, that resulted in Fay (lead actress/director) and Michelle (editor) personally standing outside theaters advertising to passersby to gain a following. I doubt you will find any other directors doing that. My hat is off to Fay Ann Lee for her OUTSTANDING production of this film and to her cast and production crew! Do yourself and your friends and family a favor and treat them to see this movie-you won't be disappointed. -Christian

Very much liked this romantic comedy, big kudos to Fay Ann Lee for writing, direction, and starring in the title role!

[inkblot11 · 8/10 · 28 January 2017]

Grace Wang (Fay Ann Lee) is the daughter of a Chinese couple who immigrated to Chinatown, NYC. Yet, her childhood was unhappy, for classmates made fun of her clothes, her Chinese name and her Oriental looks. Finally, the little gal, admiring Grace Kelly, decided to turn her Cinderella background into a successful life. Her one pal from long ago, Janie (Margaret Cho) followed her lead. The both of them now work for a lucrative financial firm, where Grace is a top adviser. Although there is a good looking Chinese man in the firm, Grace resists his overtures. One night, she attends an "upper class" event to make connections for her company. There the ladies mistake her for being an heiress to a famous clothing line, Shanghai Wang. Although she tries to correct them, they talk right over her. Also, throwing her heart into a tizzy, she meets Andrew Barrington, Jr. (Gale Harold) a handsome, rising attorney. This handsome man, almost engaged to another blueblood, is likewise quite taken with Grace. As they extend their friendship, Grace learns Andrew is interested in fighting for better wages in the Chinatown sweatshops that supply clothes to a up-and-coming designer. Whoa, its the same company Grace's firm is considering for an acquisition at an inflated price, for they are not aware of the designer's use of the sweatshops. Yet, as Andrew believes Grace is rich because of her family, he is aghast when he discovers her true roots, only because he believes she lied to him. Then, too, Grace attempted to warn the firm of acquiring the designer's line, only to be demoted and humiliated. With her heart broken and her job on the line, is Cinderella going to return to rags and cinders? This lovely film has a very talented lady at the helm. Fay Ann Lee, who speaks perfect English and Chinese, wrote, directed, and starred as Grace. Let's bow to her at once. Harold makes a very attractive and talented co- star while Cho, Christine Baranski, and others do fine work. There are nice sets, costumes, and amenities, too. Fall away from your dull routine and go find Falling for Grace.

Best Film Of Year For Me!

[todigy-1 · 10/10 · 2 August 2008]

If you had read a synopsis for this film before entering the cinema, you probably would think something which was very much off the mark. Standard descriptions are not quite able to do this small film justice. As I spoke to the lead actress/director (Fay Ann Lee (a sure future up-and-comer)) after the showing in Des Moines, I realized that she had such an intricate feel for how she was able to so deftly use a hard-hitting interracial romance as a means to obtain a much larger end (in this film's case being the elimination of minority sweatshops and their usual non-unionization). You more than likely won't read as much into this film as I did, but you assuredly will want to stand up and clap just like the 250 or so of us did on that glorious August Friday night in Iowa's largest city after the film's reel had been allowed to reach its climax.

Excellent film

[saeiwata · 10/10 · 8 January 2014]

Absolutely adore the movie! The romance was very cute, and the plot was interesting. Rare and refreshing to see a movie with an Asian lead and Chinese culture incorporated. The movie is incredibly relatable to any Asian culture. I loved the attention to detail when the writer and director portrayed Grace and her family. This is an excellent family film that really captures all the aspects of New York. The main actors did an excellent job in the film. I found myself really invested and indulged in the romance of the film. The audience can really connect and love Grace (the main character). I really enjoyed the subtle comedy in this movie. This movie reminded me of the classic film Maid in Manhattan. I wish people would make more films like Falling for Grace. I strongly recommend watching this film!