While the main plot was initially interesting, the script and acting was mediocre. The scenes felt rushed, not well thought out. How the film moved from one scene to the next felt choppy. The only actor I like was the older woman who played Dai Mah. Her acting was decent. But the main protagonist turned my stomach. She delivers her lines like a spoiled bratty sulking teenager. When you don't feel anything for the main character, the film is doomed. The rest of the supporting actors were just as bad. This production needed better writers and casting.
19 Reviews
It felt too long, was too slow, and riddled with plot issues.
Top_Dawg_Critic23 November 2021
I don't know if I watched a botched edited version, but there were many scenes that felt pieces were missing, and/or came out of nowhere. This is writer and director Evan Jackson Leong's feature film debut - previously known for documentaries and short films. Overall he did a great job for a newb filmmaker; most of the cinematography and camera work was excellent, but the slow-mo scenes were annoying. It was a visually stylish story, but the cliched gangster narrative fell short on its own heavy ambitions. The short 89 min runtime felt much longer and dragged out with the slow pacing and dragged out and/or unnecessary scenes. Casting was decent, with the stand-out performances by Sung Kang and Jade Wu, but I wasn't impressed with Shuya Chang; her character was unconvincing and it felt like she didn't want to be there with her constant straight-faced look and demeanor. Overall not a bad film, watchable to the end, so it's a 6/10 from me.
Wholesome and entertaining...
paul_haakonsen8 November 2021
Now, I wasn't really sure what I was in for here, as I sat down to watch the 2021 movie "Snakehead". But still, with "Snakehead" being a movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I found the time to sit down to watch it.
And as it happens to turn out, then "Snakehead" was actually rather enjoyable. Writer and director Evan Jackson Leong managed to put together a very interesting and entertaining storyline where there were many ups and downs along the way, making it a non-linear ride. And Evan Jackson Leong also managed to put together a group of interesting and very detailed characters, along with some good and believable dialogue. And I will say that it was nice to see the writer and director take an alternate approach to showcasing human trafficking and a crime syndicate in China Town.
So yeah, I was genuinely entertained by what "Snakehead" delivered.
It should be noted that the movie's cover is very much reminiscent of an 1990s action movie, which sort of is presenting a wrong presentation of the movie. So don't let the movie slide your interest just because of the cover.
The movie has an all-together impressive ensemble of casted actors and actresses. The movie was especially nicely carried by the performances of Shuya Chang (playing Sister Tse) and Jade Wu (playing Dai Mah). But also with the likes of Sung Kang and Yacine Djoumbaye, then you are in for an entertaining movie with good performances.
While "Snakehead" is listed as an action crime drama, which it essentially is, the main focus of the movie is the crime and the drama, whereas the action is just an added layer.
I can warmly recommend that you sit down to watch "Snakehead", if you have the chance. I was genuinely entertained by it, and it turned out to be a movie that sinks in under the skin.
My rating of "Snakehead" lands on a six out of ten stars.
And as it happens to turn out, then "Snakehead" was actually rather enjoyable. Writer and director Evan Jackson Leong managed to put together a very interesting and entertaining storyline where there were many ups and downs along the way, making it a non-linear ride. And Evan Jackson Leong also managed to put together a group of interesting and very detailed characters, along with some good and believable dialogue. And I will say that it was nice to see the writer and director take an alternate approach to showcasing human trafficking and a crime syndicate in China Town.
So yeah, I was genuinely entertained by what "Snakehead" delivered.
It should be noted that the movie's cover is very much reminiscent of an 1990s action movie, which sort of is presenting a wrong presentation of the movie. So don't let the movie slide your interest just because of the cover.
The movie has an all-together impressive ensemble of casted actors and actresses. The movie was especially nicely carried by the performances of Shuya Chang (playing Sister Tse) and Jade Wu (playing Dai Mah). But also with the likes of Sung Kang and Yacine Djoumbaye, then you are in for an entertaining movie with good performances.
While "Snakehead" is listed as an action crime drama, which it essentially is, the main focus of the movie is the crime and the drama, whereas the action is just an added layer.
I can warmly recommend that you sit down to watch "Snakehead", if you have the chance. I was genuinely entertained by it, and it turned out to be a movie that sinks in under the skin.
My rating of "Snakehead" lands on a six out of ten stars.
Complete Nonsense
DavoZed17 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is the movie about human smuggling that Disney would make. A complete fantasy.
A woman from China gets smugglers to bring her to NYC and when she is unwilling to turn tricks to pay for her passage, she is allowed to work in a restaurant, making dumplings. Seriously?
Virtually every character in the movie is Chinese and it is set in a Chinatown full of recent immigrants (presumably) and yet everyone speaks perfect English. Surely, most of the dialogue should have been in Chinese with English subtitles.
Full marks for the production values, the movie is lovely to look at but the story gets an F.
Preposterous.
Who at TIFF imagined that this was a movie to screen?
A woman from China gets smugglers to bring her to NYC and when she is unwilling to turn tricks to pay for her passage, she is allowed to work in a restaurant, making dumplings. Seriously?
Virtually every character in the movie is Chinese and it is set in a Chinatown full of recent immigrants (presumably) and yet everyone speaks perfect English. Surely, most of the dialogue should have been in Chinese with English subtitles.
Full marks for the production values, the movie is lovely to look at but the story gets an F.
Preposterous.
Who at TIFF imagined that this was a movie to screen?
Not bad at all.
deloudelouvain4 December 2021
Again I don't get what people didn't like about this movie. I must have a strange and different view of what an entertaining movie looks like. I thought Snakehead was highly entertaining, a good plot (I really don't get what some reviewers thought was confusing) and a more than decent cast. All the actors are unknown to me but they all delivered. I though the acting was actually quite good, much better than what I was expecting after seeing the score it gets on here. I wouldn't pay too much attention to the bad reviews, if you look for an entertaining movie this is one of them.
Updated review.
Luv2Spooge30 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I wish Asians would stop stereotyping themselves. The plotline is preposterous and completely nonsensical, turning Chinese human trafficking into a Disney ride. The whole concept of the Da-mah is a joke if you actually understand the Chinese culture, let alone the triads. They have no room for this American woke PC culture. And to top it off, uh... what's the deal with the Korean guy?
--------
I standby my review above about the cliche, stereotype, and a lot of woke sympathy towards illegals. However, after watching it again and discussing it with my brother, who is a really analytical thinker, I think it was unfair to give this a 1.
A lot of misconception on the plot comes from the style the director, which much of it is done in implication rather than direct information. This led to a lot of confusion which came off as plotholes.
Example: 1) Rambo's GF is Singh, who is Vietnamese. She was getting closer to the operation because she was scouting them for a heist with her cousins, a different gang. That is what she meant "survive my way."
2) Xie's "was" a snakehead and worked in Taiwan before she was arrested and sent to jail for 8 years. This is why she said she had done it before and can do it again. She was crying while sitting and looking over the water, b/c that was the exact place she lost her daughter. Also the typhoon disrupted Da Mah's plan since no boats were available. Xie then took the illegals through her previous ways, via tunnel, to a new location to board a ship.
3) The major one is Da Mah instantly like Xie and saw herself in her, that was why she spared her. So it was not a typical deal to let her off so easily and letting her make dumpling. She knew her empire was dying, this was said in Xie's monologue, and that Rambo was not up to the task of taking over. She was looking for Xie to be her heir to her crime empire. This is why she tested her in the dice game, to see if Xie can tell they were cheating.
With the major plot holes removed, the cinematic and the story is not that bad. Again, I don't like the cliches, etc... but it is not a 1, I'll give it a generous 5, for it's attempt at a creative style of story telling, even though it kinda failed bc most people won't be able to connect the dots and will be confused and frustrated with the plot.
--------
I standby my review above about the cliche, stereotype, and a lot of woke sympathy towards illegals. However, after watching it again and discussing it with my brother, who is a really analytical thinker, I think it was unfair to give this a 1.
A lot of misconception on the plot comes from the style the director, which much of it is done in implication rather than direct information. This led to a lot of confusion which came off as plotholes.
Example: 1) Rambo's GF is Singh, who is Vietnamese. She was getting closer to the operation because she was scouting them for a heist with her cousins, a different gang. That is what she meant "survive my way."
2) Xie's "was" a snakehead and worked in Taiwan before she was arrested and sent to jail for 8 years. This is why she said she had done it before and can do it again. She was crying while sitting and looking over the water, b/c that was the exact place she lost her daughter. Also the typhoon disrupted Da Mah's plan since no boats were available. Xie then took the illegals through her previous ways, via tunnel, to a new location to board a ship.
3) The major one is Da Mah instantly like Xie and saw herself in her, that was why she spared her. So it was not a typical deal to let her off so easily and letting her make dumpling. She knew her empire was dying, this was said in Xie's monologue, and that Rambo was not up to the task of taking over. She was looking for Xie to be her heir to her crime empire. This is why she tested her in the dice game, to see if Xie can tell they were cheating.
With the major plot holes removed, the cinematic and the story is not that bad. Again, I don't like the cliches, etc... but it is not a 1, I'll give it a generous 5, for it's attempt at a creative style of story telling, even though it kinda failed bc most people won't be able to connect the dots and will be confused and frustrated with the plot.
It could have been so much better!
ciobanualin-940201 November 2021
The movie disappointed me a little bit. I expected it to be a lot better, because it really has a good and solid plot. For me the movie seems fast-paced and not at all polished. It seems that the director and the production team didn't have the patience, the budget, or both, to make something really good and interesting.
I expected it to have a lot more action and be less predictable. The main plot is interesting, but it also depends how do you make use of it, how you put into the light the events that are linked to that plot and "Snakehead" didn't really manage that. Even If the plot is interesting, the movie is nothing but basic, fast-paced and predictable. It had potential.
I expected it to have a lot more action and be less predictable. The main plot is interesting, but it also depends how do you make use of it, how you put into the light the events that are linked to that plot and "Snakehead" didn't really manage that. Even If the plot is interesting, the movie is nothing but basic, fast-paced and predictable. It had potential.
Couldn't watch after 45 mins.
abhibnlcs2 November 2021
I tried hard hoping to finish this but it was unbearable. The story had no elements to keep you interested. The overall presentation is too bland. The background music is pure crap and the characters are overconfident & probably underpaid.
Unexpectedly Good
nrgigaba6 November 2021
I went into the movie hoping to pass time and not expecting much from it, but it pleasantly surprised me.
I think the scenes could have been lengthened to allow us a more in-depth look the prostitution and trafficking.
It's worth the watch.
I think the scenes could have been lengthened to allow us a more in-depth look the prostitution and trafficking.
It's worth the watch.
A WASTE OF TIME
batemi20002 November 2021
Do you believe in the American dream?
frank-liesenborgs29 October 2021
An opening title card reveals the proposition of the movie:
Despite the walls of entry, illegal immigration thrives.
For $50.000, Chinese human smugglers known as snakeheads provide passage.
But today the strongest pull to come to America is not money.
"Snakehead" opens with a sobering statement about the scale of illegal immigration and how human traffickers known as Snakeheads charge $50,000 for passage to the U. S. The first words we hear are those of Sister Tse (Shuya Chang), who has just arrived in New York from Taiwan. In cold, emotionless voice-over Tse says, "I never believed in the American dream. All I knew was how to survive." This is the story of a new recruit rising through the ranks of organized crime. The mainly Asian female cast gives the performance of a lifetime. The story develops deep in the underbelly of New York City's Chinatown. More highlights are coming from outstanding performances by Shuya Chang as the fearless newbie Sister Tse, Jade Wu as the matriarch of a family (Dai Mah) specializing in the nasty business of human smuggling and Sung Kang (Rambo). And nice the see Sung Kang acting outside his traditional roles in the Fast & Furious franchise. He kicks off this movie with his famous words: "Anybody else wants a home run? Now shut the BEEP up. Welcome to America" Flashbacks and voice-over show how Sister Tse landed in jail and lost custody of infant daughter Rosie eight years ago. She has now come to find Rosie (Catherine Jiang), who was subsequently adopted by a New York couple.
The dialogues are powerful and the delivery is captivating. It's great to watch two powerful Asian female characters taking centre stage in an American crime story with strong roots in real events and characters. "Snakehead" is inspired by the life and crimes of Cheng Chui Ping, aka Sister Ping. Chung is equally impressive as a woman whose maternal and survival instincts permit her to crash through physical and moral barriers that most people could not even approach.
The deepening relationship between Dai Mah and her protégé is the film's rich and riveting emotional core. Less captivating is Tse's rivalry with Dai Mah's eldest son, Rambo (Sung Kang), a hothead whose instability and relationship with jealous girlfriend Shih (Devon Diep) have become a liability. Kang brings plenty of energy to the role, enough to turn Rambo into a notable villain.
This movie is driven by undaunted and powerful realism. A movie you have to see as it is as accurate as a documentary and still happening today.
For $50.000, Chinese human smugglers known as snakeheads provide passage.
But today the strongest pull to come to America is not money.
"Snakehead" opens with a sobering statement about the scale of illegal immigration and how human traffickers known as Snakeheads charge $50,000 for passage to the U. S. The first words we hear are those of Sister Tse (Shuya Chang), who has just arrived in New York from Taiwan. In cold, emotionless voice-over Tse says, "I never believed in the American dream. All I knew was how to survive." This is the story of a new recruit rising through the ranks of organized crime. The mainly Asian female cast gives the performance of a lifetime. The story develops deep in the underbelly of New York City's Chinatown. More highlights are coming from outstanding performances by Shuya Chang as the fearless newbie Sister Tse, Jade Wu as the matriarch of a family (Dai Mah) specializing in the nasty business of human smuggling and Sung Kang (Rambo). And nice the see Sung Kang acting outside his traditional roles in the Fast & Furious franchise. He kicks off this movie with his famous words: "Anybody else wants a home run? Now shut the BEEP up. Welcome to America" Flashbacks and voice-over show how Sister Tse landed in jail and lost custody of infant daughter Rosie eight years ago. She has now come to find Rosie (Catherine Jiang), who was subsequently adopted by a New York couple.
The dialogues are powerful and the delivery is captivating. It's great to watch two powerful Asian female characters taking centre stage in an American crime story with strong roots in real events and characters. "Snakehead" is inspired by the life and crimes of Cheng Chui Ping, aka Sister Ping. Chung is equally impressive as a woman whose maternal and survival instincts permit her to crash through physical and moral barriers that most people could not even approach.
The deepening relationship between Dai Mah and her protégé is the film's rich and riveting emotional core. Less captivating is Tse's rivalry with Dai Mah's eldest son, Rambo (Sung Kang), a hothead whose instability and relationship with jealous girlfriend Shih (Devon Diep) have become a liability. Kang brings plenty of energy to the role, enough to turn Rambo into a notable villain.
This movie is driven by undaunted and powerful realism. A movie you have to see as it is as accurate as a documentary and still happening today.
Really great movie with a different viewing of things
josemanuelh7 November 2021
If you are looking for a typical violent american movie with some action and lots of blood ... well, there is some blood, but it is not the so boring always the same american move at all.
Different narrative, different tempo, great story well narrated, acted and directed.
Congratulations to every suporter for this film, you made a great movie that I liked a lot.
But the cover picture selected for the film is totally misleading, because of it I nearly missed the film, I finally decided to give it a try and enjoyed a lot, my advice, change that cover picture, it does not make justice at all to your great work.
Different narrative, different tempo, great story well narrated, acted and directed.
Congratulations to every suporter for this film, you made a great movie that I liked a lot.
But the cover picture selected for the film is totally misleading, because of it I nearly missed the film, I finally decided to give it a try and enjoyed a lot, my advice, change that cover picture, it does not make justice at all to your great work.
Watch at home, not in cinema
alon-dar117 November 2021
As the when film is shot in "dramatic" slow motion, at home one can just play at high speed and get this whole whatever you call this mumbo jumbo over in 20 minutes! And all the "plot" even starts to make sense! Try it.
Another worst film! Full of boring conversation, and annoying overuse scene! Avoid at all cost!
kwenchow5 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This film start with an article talking about illegal migration, and the introduction of the main character "Sister Tse" scene! As turnout, this film is about a Chinese immigrant "Sister Tse" working with a crime boss "Dai Mah" to smuggle human as a disguise to find her daughter! Entire film full of boring conversation, and annoying overuse scene! Such as, overuse of the walking scene, overuse of the searching scene, overuse of the smoking scene, overuse of the drinking scene, overuse of the eating scene, overuse of the arguing scene, overuse of the calling names scene, overuse of the staring scene, overuse of the driving scene, overuse of the narration scene, overuse of the talking on the phone scene, overuse of the riding bicycle scene, and overuse of the running scene! Make the film unwatchable! At the end, Sister Tse helping the police capture Dai Mah, and she watching her daughter far away! That's it! Wasting time to watch!
Who decided this was a good idea for a movie?
FeastMode16 January 2022
I don't want to waste any more time on this garbage so I will keep my review short. This is a low quality, made-for-TV level movie. I could tell immediately. All aspects are terrible. It's a complete waste of time. (1 viewing, 1/15/2022)
American/chinese film about immigration and trying to live an american dream.
cruise0113 June 2022
2 out of 5 stars.
Snakehead is a boring crime drama film about a young woman who was smuggled into america and forced to work as a prostitute. Until they hire her to become a snakehead and help with immigrants that are coming to america.
The plot is tedious and forgettable. The direction and script is dull and boring. The cast is forgettable. Acting is stale. This film felt too long and boring. Sure it could have been better.
Snakehead is a boring crime drama film about a young woman who was smuggled into america and forced to work as a prostitute. Until they hire her to become a snakehead and help with immigrants that are coming to america.
The plot is tedious and forgettable. The direction and script is dull and boring. The cast is forgettable. Acting is stale. This film felt too long and boring. Sure it could have been better.
we make our own fate
Blue-Grotto7 October 2021
Sister Tse is a survivor. After leaving China in a container ship she is arrested the moment she steps into New York. Her baby girl is taken from her there. Returning years later to try to find her daughter, Sister Tse first has a debt to pay to the snakeheads (smugglers). They push her to sell her body, she rebels, and is brutally punished. However, her survivor instincts and courageous spirit gain her the favor of Dai Mah, a crime boss and snakehead in Chinatown. Competition is fierce for Dai Mah's attention and Sister Tse is just an errand rat, but with Dai Mah's encouragement she begins to rise. There is a big difference between fear and respect, and unlike Dai Mah, Sister Tse is the respectful type. Her power lies in what she gives rather than what she takes, and herein is the path to redemption and a true home.
Snakehead is exhilarating and authentic. Narrated by the character of Sister Tse the film illuminates some of the true reasons that people immigrate. These reasons do not usually include money. The film is thrilling because it pulls back the curtain on the criminal underworld of smugglers and is based on real crime stories including that of Cheng Chui Ping (aka Sister Ping), who ran a long-standing snakehead operation in New York.
From law school I know that the great majority of people are convicted of crimes based on their own statements. People MUST talk about what they did, and this bites them in the butt. This is why the first words out of a lawyer's mouth are usually some version of "shut up and let me do the talking." Snakehead reveals this truth.
Seen at the Toronto international film festival.
Snakehead is exhilarating and authentic. Narrated by the character of Sister Tse the film illuminates some of the true reasons that people immigrate. These reasons do not usually include money. The film is thrilling because it pulls back the curtain on the criminal underworld of smugglers and is based on real crime stories including that of Cheng Chui Ping (aka Sister Ping), who ran a long-standing snakehead operation in New York.
From law school I know that the great majority of people are convicted of crimes based on their own statements. People MUST talk about what they did, and this bites them in the butt. This is why the first words out of a lawyer's mouth are usually some version of "shut up and let me do the talking." Snakehead reveals this truth.
Seen at the Toronto international film festival.
kinda good ngl
hashimalsmael-1777330 October 2021
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