Can't Speak
(1999)
One of the best and worst shorts I saw at Park City
was a NoDance entry called "Central Garden." This short,
"Can't Speak," focused on a similar theme, one of an
young Asian female coming to American and struggling
to learn a new language. But where "Central Garden"
ended up swerving into a ridiculous climax, "Can't Speak"
drives assuredly to it's perfect climax.
Writer/director Sugimasa Yamashita, himself still
struggling with the English language, has fastened a
film that is beautiful and touching. Surprisingly it
last about only 9 minutes but covers a wonderful little
slice-of-life event in a young immigrants life.
The filming and the technical aspects of the film
might leave just a tad to be desired; I'm not sure what
the budget was here. But the film's acting, pacing and
beautiful script make it a poignant and wonderful film.
Mijiri Kameyama is a perfect lead, both normal looking
and beautiful at the same time, her subtle charm easily
guides us into the film. Meanwhile, Julia E. Flores
offers up an American sponsor that is both world-weary
and wonderful. She makes us uneasy without meaning to,
much as she does Kameyama's newly arrived Yumiko.
Everything about this film works. It's a beautiful
little film and proves Yamashita a thoughtful and poignant
filmmaker to look for.
Notes:
Yamashita is also producer and editor. He is a student
at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco.
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Report Card
Script: A+
Acting: A+
Cinematography\Lighting: C+
Special Effects\Make Up: B+
Music: B
Final Grade: A+
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