Love and Politics Collide in Intense Drama

Read Time:3 Minute, 57 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Anywhere the Wind Blows
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Genre: Drama, Romance, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 18m
Director(s): Jay Liu
Writer(s): Jay Liu
Cast: Glen Wong, Ray Kam, Trevor Worthy, Nicoletta Hanssen, Katherine Chu, Me’Rhanda Jacobs
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and the Houston Asian Pacific Islander Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Jay Liu's ANYWHERE THE WIND BLOWS hits home with deep personal conflict and broad political landscapes. The film is a sensitive portrayal of a man's struggle with his past and hopes for the future, set against the backdrop of Hong Kong's political upheaval. Liu has created a thoughtful examination of identity and belonging, steering clear of simple political narratives to focus on rich human emotions.

ANYWHERE THE WIND BLOWS follows the journey of Alex (Glen Wong), a spirited activist from Hong Kong who flees to the United States to escape increasing political persecution. Just as he begins to navigate his new environment, his past catches up with him in the form of Brandon (Ray Kam), his ex. Brandon's sudden appearance rekindles old passions and ignites complex feelings about their future. This unexpected reunion catalyzes the film's exploration of cultural assimilation and the shared experiences of many Hong Kong individuals living abroad.

Liu’s narrative courageously intersects the personal and the political, shedding light on the seldom-discussed struggles of queer individuals in conservative societies. The director's commitment to authenticity brings particular intimacy to Alex’s journey, allowing the audience to feel every ounce of his conflict and desire. This film does more than just tell a story; it invites viewers to confront their perceptions of identity against the pressures of societal norms. The impressive part is that it manages to do all this and more in such a short runtime.

The genesis of ANYWHERE THE WIND BLOWS is rooted in a revealing dinner conversation in Los Angeles, where Liu reconnected with a childhood friend. The recent political conflicts in Hong Kong marked the conversation. This discussion, along with Liu's experiences and those of other Hong Kong immigrants, infuses the film with genuine emotional depth and a palpable sense of displacement.

The film showcases Liu’s ability to balance dramatic highs and reflective lows. The narrative crafts scenes depicting the scars of political conflict while focusing on the characters' personal growth and inner turmoil. The production, supported through crowdfunding, reflects the community’s strong connection to the film’s themes of resilience and identity.

The film offers a gripping mix of drama, romance, and psychological insight. Audiences will find themselves caught in the flux of quiet, reflective dialogues and powerful displays of emotion, all contributing to an engaging cinematic experience.

With a new documentary project, Liu is now delving deeper into the nuances of Hong Kong's evolving cultural identity. This forthcoming work focuses on a distinctive prop from ANYWHERE THE WIND BLOWS—a Hong Kong taxi—and is set to explore cultural transformations through the eyes of a Hong Kong-American car enthusiast, blending personal stories with more comprehensive social commentary.

ANYWHERE THE WIND BLOWS is a poignant testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and adapt amidst life’s most significant challenges. The film navigates the complexities of life, celebrating the resilience of the individual spirit as they search for freedom and a sense of belonging in a tumultuous world. Jay Liu’s film is an invitation to reflect on the enduring question of what it means to find a home.

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[photo courtesy of UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, SCHOOL OF CINEMATIC ARTS]

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