John (II) (2023) User Reviews

Raw and Authentic: 'John' Delivers a Powerful Exploration of Life on the Margins

[annszahid · 10/10 · 9 October 2023]

John Review "John," the brainchild of writer-director Han Minh Le, is poised to make its festival debut this year. Backed by producer Joseph Hieu, known for the Sundance Film Festival's award-winning "The Accidental Getaway Driver", the film dives deep into the tumultuous life of a young Latino sex worker.

The film's 90-minute run lays bare every aspect of John's struggle; from the poor neighborhood he lives in to the condoms and medicine he has to steal to keep his lifestyle afloat, at times getting too close for comfort. But that's a part of Le Han's directorial vision, who's devoted to giving his audience a one-of-a-kind experience, that's both raw and authentic.

Nonetheless, there's hope to be had in the fact that even someone like John, who isn't as resourceful, has people looking out for him. Peaches, a black trans prostitute who is by far the most interesting character in the film looks out for him on the regular, offering him companionship and financial help. Celine Jackson, the actor who plays the character knocks it out of the park with her performance and comes off as a seasoned veteran. There's also Miguel, an older experienced hustler who guides John through the dynamics of their profession. Though not as impactful as his counterpart, Seth Hafley does an adequate job.

Not only does the film explore in detail what's life like for sex workers, as it constantly portrays the threats of addiction, homelessness, and HIV but it also touches upon the stigma of being queer in a society that's becoming increasingly intolerant. Sebastian Perez does a great job of portraying the isolation and loneliness of his character and the film's cinematography and camerawork only make it more powerful.

The film's standout aspect is the director's surprising choice to shoot it via an iPhone. Not only is the quality uncompromised but Han Le takes full advantage of the medium, resulting in shots that would be very difficult to pull off with an elaborate camera setup. Ultimately, the decision lends greatly to the director's vision of delivering a very personal look into the lives of the film's characters.

All in all, "John" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that leaves an indelible mark by delving into uncomfortable realities.

making it easy for the audience to connect with their plight.

[peterrjames-98625 · 10/10 · 11 October 2023]

The cinematography in "John" is a standout element, beautifully capturing the seedy yet vibrant streets of Hollywood.

The film's commitment to showcasing the city's underbelly adds authenticity to the story.

Making it easy for the audience to connect with their pligh , the film's unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities faced by LGBTQ sex workers may be unsettling for some viewers. "John" is not a typical action movie filled with adrenaline-pumping sequences. Instead, it's a thought-provoking, emotionally charged journey through a world that remains largely hidden from mainstream cinema.

"John" (2023) is a bold departure from the conventional action movie genr

[krzysztofszymon-79841 · 10/10 · 11 October 2023]

"John" (2023) is a bold departure from the conventional action movie genre, as it delves into the gritty and heart-wrenching lives of LGBTQ sex workers in the bustling streets of Hollywood, LA. Drawing inspiration from Italian neorealism and the French New Wave, this film captures the raw and unfiltered essence of their daily struggles.

The movie's narrative is a stark departure from the typical action film, offering a refreshing and poignant exploration of the human condition. It delves deep into the lives of its characters, allowing us to empathize with their challenges and triumphs.

Good.

Best action movie ever

[jameshopkinton · 10/10 · 11 October 2023]

John" (2023) is a thought-provoking action film that takes a unique approach to storytelling. Set against the backdrop of Hollywood, LA, it delves into the struggles of LGBTQ sex workers, drawing inspiration from Italian neorealism and the French New Wave. The movie artfully blends action sequences with a poignant narrative, creating a compelling and emotional experience for viewers.

The film's exploration of the lives of sex workers within the LGBTQ community is both sensitive and raw, shedding light on a seldom-told side of society. The characters are richly developed, and the cast's performances are remarkable, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles.

Masterfully combines elements of classic cinema with a modern sensibility, resulting in a visually striking movie. The cinematography captures the essence of LA's gritty streets and vibrant nightlife, providing a vivid and immersive backdrop for the story.

The action sequences in "John" are thrilling and well-executed, showcasing impressive choreography and intense moments. These sequences serve not only as entertainment but also as a metaphorical expression of the characters' struggles and determination.

While the film's artistic influences are apparent, "John" manages to create a distinct identity of its own, offering a fresh take on LGBTQ issues and social realities. It invites viewers to reflect on the challenges faced by marginalized communities while delivering a gripping cinematic experience.

In conclusion, "John" (2023) is an action movie that goes beyond the genre's conventions, using its unique storytelling style to shed light on important societal issues. It's a must-see for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema with a mix of action and social commentary.

JOHN: A Raw and Poignant Portrayal of LGBTQ+ Sex Worker Realities

[indiewrap · 10/10 · 12 October 2023]

JOHN is a social drama directed by Le Han in his feature film debut. Produced by Joseph Hieu, known for producing 'The Accidental Getaway Driver', an acclaimed feature at Sundance Film Fesitval, the film chronicles the life of a queer Latino male sex worker living in the poorest part of Los Angeles. Searing and poignant, the film depicts the hardship that LGBTQ+ sex workers face daily, told in a slice-of-life narrative.

The film centers around John (Sebastian Perez), a down-on-his-luck young prostitute operating on the streets of West Hollywood, LA. The bushy tailed John comes under the wings of two older prostitutes: the slimy Miguel (Seth Hafley) and the kind-hearted Peaches (Celine Jackson), who is trans. We watch John go about his days, meet various clients and in general just try to endure life. Via his harrowing experiences, we see what sex workers struggle with daily: poverty, drug habit, HIV, violence.

The film casts add a layer of authenticity to the story. The neorealism-inspired decision lends the film a documentary-like quality. The performances do feel a bit raw at times, but that's probably the point: it has to feel awkward, like a regular person being on camera for the very first time.

Among the supporting players, Jackson stands out with her sassy but heartfelt performance. Peaches and John develop a close friendship that borders between maternal and romantic. Their close bond manifests in some of the film's realest moments. An interesting symbolism of note: John almost always finds Peaches under a bright storefront or in front of a neon-lit graffiti. It's as if she's the source of light in his dark existence. As the most sprightly presence in the film, Peaches is often shown dancing in the street with abandon, shaking off the problems of the world. Her scenes provide moments of respite from the bleakness of the film. In a way, she symbolizes beauty amid the ugliness of reality, resilience in times of tribulations.

John's assorted clientele also steal the scenes with their kinks and uniqueness. In one poignant scene, John meets a client who pays him just to talk. A closeted gay man, he admits to John his remorse for passing laws that disadvantage gay people. Another client is a failed actor in his twilight, dishing out the many dark sides of show business like a grandpa telling stories to his grandson. Despite the unusual nature of the situations, there are some really genuine and poignant insights from the conversations. It's human moments like these that stick with you, the complex dynamics of beaten-down people desperately reaching out to one another for comfort.

The visuals of the movie are gorgeous in a rugged way. This film was made with just one Iphone. It gives it a look like it was shot almost like a vlog, with shaky cams and the sound of the streets bleeding through the dialogues. Shot in grimy locations all over LA, the film accurately captures the seedy underbelly of LA and the desolation felt by the characters stuck in there. The cinematography is at once moody and garish, very rock video-esque. With great use of lighting, every frame pops in vivid colors: harsh neon lamps against Peaches' colorful hair and makeup, the brightness of carnival rides against John's lone shadow - the contrasting hues serve as an irony to the bleakness of the story.

The structure abandons traditional narrative form. There's no defined plot points building to a climax whatsoever. Instead, it's snapshots of John's life: from his mundane morning routines to the punishing hustle. It's never building up to a certain goal for John, who's just operating on auto-pilot, living life just to survive. We never get John's backstory, but one thing is clear: he's just a young man trying to survive in a cruel world. He's rarely shown to be devastated. His eyes empty, here's a man just gamely taking it in day by day. It's an all-too-real circumstance faced by sex workers, who often find themselves stuck in this way of life with very little opportunity for social mobility.

Amid these harrowing scenarios, the rare "happy" moments feel even more precious. Like when John gets to buy groceries instead of shoplifting like he did at the beginning of the film. It's heart piercing to watch his cherubic face light up like a kid as he picks up milk and snacks without needing to skulk around, underscoring just how rare this is for him. In another memorable scene and a moment of solidarity between the sex workers, a group of male prostitutes engage in a conversation discussing their profession just as casually as other business owners would, even going so far as teaching each other new tricks to perform to customers. This is probably the most hilarious moment that proves how they are just like us, people who chat about work in their downtime. Ultimately, despite what they're dealt in life, these people manage to find happiness in the smallest things.

The film calls to mind Tangerine, the 2015 film about sex workers that famously was shot entirely on an iPhone. Both films move with the same raw, kinetic energy that can only be drawn from untrained performers. Likewise, both are films rife with social commentary. Its portrayal of the seedy underbelly of LA and its inhabitants highlights the plight of LGBTQ+ sex workers in the city: from poverty, homelessness, violence, drug use, to the threat of HIV-AIDS. But it's not just the prostitutes; through the conversations John had with his patrons, the movie also reveals the struggles that the gay community still faces, be it in the government or in the entertainment space. Although the film never resolves any of the issues raised, one might find the honest confessions really cathartic.

Ever gritty and unrelenting, JOHN does a great job of telling a tragic story without resorting to melodrama or sentimentality. Ultimately it is an experimental film that specifically never tries to be eloquent nor refined. By doing so, it captures the coarse texture of its subject matter, the ugliness and the somberness. Imperfection is the name of the game, and the film embraces it proudly.

THE JOHN

[ansabmudassir · 10/10 · 11 October 2023]

One of the film's minor shortcomings may be its pacing, as it occasionally feels slow in its exploration of character development. However, this deliberate pacing serves to emphasize the daily struggles and challenges faced by the LGBTQ sex workers, making the viewer feel more deeply connected to their stories.

In conclusion, "John" (2023) is a groundbreaking action movie that transcends the genre's boundaries. It successfully combines the thrill of action with a profound exploration of the LGBTQ sex workers' lives in Hollywood. Inspired by European cinematic movements, this film offers a thought-provoking and emotionally charged experience that is both powerful and poignant.

John

[leonardoadamm · 10/10 · 11 October 2023]

"John" (2023) is a groundbreaking action film that takes a unique and socially relevant approach to the genre. Instead of focusing on traditional action heroes, the film delves into the gritty lives of LGBTQ sex workers in the heart of Hollywood, LA. This daring choice, inspired by Italian neorealism and the French New Wave, provides a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the action genre.

The film's strong suit lies in its character development, as it introduces us to a diverse cast of characters, each struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. John, the protagonist, brings an authentic and raw portrayal of someone fighting for acceptance and dignity. The action sequences, while intense and well-executed, are used as a backdrop to highlight the characters' resilience and the harsh reality they face daily.

Director's masterful use of the camera captures the essence of the streets of Hollywood, immersing the audience in the characters' world. The film's gritty visual style and hauntingly evocative soundtrack contribute to the movie's overall impact.

"John" is not just an action movie; it's a powerful social commentary that sheds light on the struggles of marginalized communities. While it might not cater to traditional action movie enthusiasts, it's an essential watch for those seeking thought-provoking cinema that challenges conventions and leaves a lasting impression.