Echo 8 (2024) User Reviews

Asian-Australian Bad Assery

[Black_Ops87 · 7/10 · 3 April 2024]

Co-Directed by the films stars Maria Tran and Takashi Hara from a script written by Elizabeth H. Vu, ECHO 8 follows a secret sect of assassins whom are sent on a mission that raises many questions. In particular from Tran's character.

Echo 8 is an anomaly in Australian film. An Asian-Australian led/directed and produced martial arts film. I'm not sure if any have come before, so this is a welcome addition in Australian cinema.

The independent film has a shoestring budget which is clear, but a strong concept anchored by good performances give the film an enriched quality. It's no blockbuster, but you know blood, sweat and tears went into it, so you can certainly appreciate it.

The film sets out to showcase the talent in the film, which is surely where it succeeds. Maria Tran, whose already been in many action films, is tough as nails and I expect to see her leading more action films in the future.

The film breaks the mould of the usual Australian film. There is no long drone shots of picturesque landscapes. Rather dark alleys and driveways where the action takes place, barring an exciting sequence in a bright nightclub.

ECHO 8 recently dropped on the streaming platform TUBI, I encourage people to get out and support it so that this isn't the only Asian-Australian led martial arts film. We need more.

Give it a shot!

[filmcombatsyndicate · 9/10 · 2 April 2024]

ECHO 8 is definitely one of those independent action films that merits the attention of its target audience. Filmed extensively during one of the worst moments in this world's history, this film is an exemplary, spirited labor of dauntless DIY creativity and endurance. Maria Tran and Takashi Hara and their team on this project are proof of the potency of Australia's local indie film scene, having built up their momentum for some time now in the shortfilm arena, and through a series of global collaborations with other creatives, and with two more entries in toe for the ECHO 8 trilogy, I'm excited to see what they can cook after this year.

Martial Arts extravaganza

[roshini-59474 · 10/10 · 3 April 2024]

Loved this movie! It had all the elements if surprise for me.

Drama, action, humour full of emotions and suspense. Plus twist in plot to make me keep watching.

Great casting and camera work, so much attention to costumes and special effects, lighting and sound. Loved all the characters and their way of delivery. Great to see such a well executed western sydney drama on screen. Cant wait for the next one. The story is so engaging. Watch it now, you will see how well Maria Tran acts in the movie such a sassy assasin. I loved how all the characters developed in the film. I laughed, and cried, i was on the edge of my seat gripping in suspense. The martial arts scenes were so intense and cleverly recreated.

Badass

[matt-vella · 9/10 · 8 April 2024]

Badass indie action film from Western Sydney? Sign me up!! A solid directorial debut from action power couple Maria Tran and Takashi Hara, Echo 8 is a great case study for microbudget and fast-paced filmmaking.

Writer Elizabeth H. Vu finds unique and interesting ways to put more meat on the bones of a typical assassin plot, resulting in strong emotive performances from Maria Tran and Gabrielle Chan, and an interesting dynamic with Agent 5, portrayed by Takashi Hara. David Vuong shines bright with his charisma and likeable character, and Maria Tran proves that she is a star, showcasing her range from scenes where she is a stoic action hero, to lighter and more comedic moments.

This film wears it's humble shoe-string budget on it's sleeve, sometimes in ways that are less than ideal, but the film's smooth pacing and spectacle help distract and keeps the audience captive. It should also be noted this film was shot in a rather short time frame during the COVD-19 pandemic, and what has been achieved should really be commended, particularly towards the film's camera department. Perhaps the film could've benefited from a little more polish, but there is a particularly impressive fight sequence in an car park which really gets the blood pumping - hoping for more action sequences of this caliber from the future instalments ""FIVE BY FIVE" and "ECHO 8 BEYOND".

Ultimately, Echo 8 is yet another strong example of the amazing talent from Western Sydney, and a testament to how collaboration, talent, creativity and elbow grease can result in amazing works of art. Congrats to Maria Tran, Takashi Hara and crew!

Bad to the bone!!

[dustin-ross83 · 10/10 · 3 April 2024]

This film has trippy and suspenseful writing (just how I like it!) with great choreography and cinematography... a real delight to watch and a twisting journey that leaves you fulfilled yet wanting more!

The wonderful Takashi Hara is mysterious and intimidating, while the beautiful Maria Tran is deadly yet emotionally complex. A truly remarkable filmmaking team!

Also, there are plenty of beautifully lit shots with thoughtful composition, which is a must for any good project! The directing is successful at putting you right there in the action, as well as handling the more emotional scenes with a softer touch.

Well done and congratulations to the whole team!

A remarkable achievement!

[Keeneyedwatcher333 · 8/10 · 7 April 2024]

'ECHO 8' is quite an achievement in Australian independent filmmaking. In recent years the Australian film/tv industry has become increasingly focused on Dramas and Crime Stories. It's nice to see a film that steps out of the zeitgeist to challenge that. Despite a low budget, It's clear that a lot of passion was put into this film, everyone was committed to make the best film possible, and they did!

The directing duo and stars of 'ECHO 8' Maria Tran and Takashi Hara have created a tightly wound and well directed Martial Arts/Action film with hints of Psychological and Sci Fi themes.

Good stuff.

Acting on the nose

[sydneykarmas · 24 April 2024]

The movie's premise is good; a good idea.

The opening is good, the mother's performance is note worthy and believable.

The rest can be better, very caricature-ish acting, in particular the scene at the beginning of the karaoke place, the winy older man with the suitcase on the floor, the commander in the office etc.

A low budget film is evident in the shots and no named actors. With more money and a good cast and story, Echo8 would do better on the world stage. The fighting at the end is good. Again the mother's performance is striking and real. The fighting is good and worth to watch. Cheers mate.