SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

Hulkeasexo it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.

Aubrey Hackett While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Aneesa Wardle The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

David_Brown If someone is looking for a different kind of film, "Bitter/Sweet" is it. It goes without saying that the girls and scenery are beautiful, but there are elements of the story that are surprising and different. Spoilers ahead: In far too many films, you see the dumb and (Or) conniving upper class blonde who is nothing but a gold digger (Clarice Kensington (Jane Sibbett) from "It Takes Two" is a perfect example of this, so is Lanie (Slobhan Fallon) from "Fools Rush In"). Amanda (Laura Lorenson), in this film is not that. She is beautiful and intelligent, and knows when she sees they way that her fiancé Brian Chandler (Kip Pardue) looks at Ticha (Napakpapha Nakprasitte), she knows he loves her, and for that reason, she lets him go (Even when he is willing to go back to the US with her). Another thing different is Ticha. She is not the perfect woman with the answers to everything. She ran away from home so she could become a success. The only reason she did come back, was out of her parents desperation for her help because of the poverty they (And their entire coffee producing village were in). The ending of the film is very much like "Fools Rush In" (Where Alex Whitman (Matthew Perry) catches up with Isabel (Salma Hayak) and lets her know how much he loves her. But Ticha is even more stubborn than Isabel, who was afraid of, and thus running away from love. How? She was going to make a tiny boat and let Brian's picture drift away, which is something more permanent than Isobel's plans. When he finally convinces her how much he loves her, and the village will be taken care of, they say goodbye to things of their past (His engagement ring and her keys to her apartment and car), and let them sail off on that boat (Of course, she does let him know she wants a truck and her family has now become his obligation "Thai girls do that when they marry a foreigner"). But as the film ends, it is apparent that he has followed through on this. But, Ticha is no charity case, and is shown contributing to the home because she working with Brian in the coffee business, as is her sister and her b/f). Basically a great film to watch with your woman. 10/10 stars

rsquires Syncretism: The amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought. Just what I wanted and needed to see on this particular night of viewing.There was no lingering bad aftertaste. Throughout the movie are scenes of people briefly reflecting on, and then reconciling with and dismissing their old lives and actions, and starting completely anew. Landlocked, deep inside a continent, this attitude, way of life, world view, is so hard to relate to, that such a movie is a desperately needed breath of sea air.Sure, there are minor weaknesses; the native (or not native? he looked like a pudgy Chinese mandarin) coffee buyer was badly handled; it doesn't effect the outcome. The efflorescence of the lush vegetation, culture and women from the sand and rain, that's what's important.The simple production emphasizes the fragility of the relationship between the two cultures, and in a good way. Highly recommended.

napierslogs A part Thai film, part U.S. film, "Bitter/Sweet" did a wonderful job of merging the two cultures for both audiences. It centers on Brian (Kip Pardue) a young American, for the Western audiences to connect to, but takes place in Thailand. It even manages to include a small-town girl in big-city who comes back to her hometown storyline, without me completely noticing. That's because "Bitter/Sweet" is comedy first, romance second, and melodrama doesn't even come into play.There's nothing that you haven't seen before, except perhaps Kip Pardue as the leading man. The ignorant American was thankfully down-played and we actually got a fairly real character who was charming and sincere. I quite enjoyed Pardue and his character. The other characters were pretty cliché, especially the "evil" local coffee-buyer who became almost cartoon-ish. Spencer Garrett as the comic relief character was a lot of fun, and of course the girls were all cute.The romance angle was entirely predictable, but it works on its cute and sweet factors. The coffee element was really only there as a plot point and to back-up the romance story. But a plot in a romantic comedy? Hollywood hasn't discovered this yet and it is certainly welcome. "Bitter/Sweet" is light and sweet and an enjoyable trip to Thailand.

gigehorn Saw the film tonight with a date. Both of us were touched to tears. Beautiful photography in a lush setting. Easy to digest, straight to the heart! Well written and had some very cool traditions. The actors were believable and I bought the story. Romantic and funny, I can see why Jeff Hare won the awards for Best Director in Houston. Also written by Hare a talented and versatile young director. This may be his best work yet. The female lead grew on me as the film progressed. The supporting actors were good, and the father (Brolin) was just right for the part.Recommend Highly.