Oh man, I hate movies that try soooo hard to be "indie films," like so many that popped up in the 90's (all forgotten, and none of them actually good, that I can remember).This one is all about characters but has no heart whatsoever. It's empty. Pointless. Contrived. It's only concern is *looking* like an indie movie.I was intrigued at first. But as the movie wore on, it was obvious there was nothing below the surface. I could almost see the director off to the side a great big "I'm so intellectual" look on his face. He ain't no Ang Lee, though, sorry. My suspicions were confirmed when watching the extras on the DVD. Every feature had a smug, self-congratulatory tone.And, honestly, anything Roger Ebert endorses these days is worth avoiding at all cost.I wouldn't be so hard on a movie like this if it wasn't such a sham, and if the creators weren't so high on themselves, totally neglecting the audience that has to sit through this CRAP.Take the honest comments about this movie to heart (not the ones that are probably from people affiliated with this movie in some way) and spare yourself the wasted time and effort of watching this self-indulgent "indie masterpiece." Rent Fassbinder's "Ali: Fear Eat Soul" instead to see what a real masterpiece of simple film-making is.

Not your slam bang big budget action film by any means. If you're looking for a recent exemplar of the well crafted, low budget, independent film, this is it. It's the kind of film you might want to see by yourself so that there's no chance for comment or interruption. The characters gradually emerge, the plot thickens, and you're with it all the way. What a talented group of actors this is and the direction and cinematography are absolutely fascinating. My only complaints are that the music is sometime intrusive, disruptive and the tennis match is a little trite -- small criticisms for what is otherwise a really nice movie.

The use of silence and conversations filled with silence is one of the strongest aspects of this surprisingly mature and interesting film. This dramatic triad has as much problem facing feelings as it does wants and desires. As the masks come off, we learn just how fragile and messed-up each one is, and how difficult it is for all three of them to reach out and communicate. Understatement and silence and powerful parts of this movie, and it all has a very asian feeling, even if their dilemmas are acculturated and familiar to non-asian americans. Though the son who gets stuck with the family business out of obligation and something like filial piety, struck me as very asian. The film also manages to convey a significant existential quality to the main characters that is very nuanced and requires contemplation.

This film didn't work at all for me (nor my wife, who fell asleep twice, as did a gentleman about four seats over from us). The acting is passable, but the plot is tedious. There are innumerable idiosyncratic happenings that are never explained/justified. The pacing is ponderous, and none of the characters is sufficiently affecting to demand one's attention.People seem to either love or hate this one; I tend toward the latter motion.