Jinsui Song is a Chinese writer/director, and editor based in Los Angeles. She recently graduated from the MFA Directing/Production program at UCLA and holds a BFA in Screenwriting from Beijing Film Academy. Her work has been screened at the Cairo International Film Festival, CAAMFest, St. Louis International Film Festival, etc. Her latest film, “Something Blue”, is supported by the Panavision New Filmmaker Program.
Something Blue review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
The film begins in a woman's bathroom, with the protagonist, an Asian-American, receiving a call from someone wondering where she has been. It turns out she is attending a wedding, and as soon as she is out, she is met by her mother and the mother of the groom, obviously a relative, asking the typical questions regarding the whether she has a boyfriend. Emily replies negatively, while the discussion eventually turns to Vincent, who the girl used to hang out with, when they were children. The movie then takes a brief flashback to the past, just before the married couple arrives. While everyone seems to enjoy themselves, Emily, who obviously has not been in contact with her family for some time, is the only one who seems to struggle.
One of the best traits of the movie is the tension Jinsui Song manages to build, with the reactions of the protagonist, the music and the occasional total lack of sound helping the most in that regard. The relief that eventually comes is also well handled, with “Stand By Me” offering a very appealing close to the narrative. On the other hand, although it's clear that something from the past is causing Emily's evident discomfort, a more explicit portrayal of the event would undoubtedly heighten the impact of the short. Nevertheless, the movie seems to be more about moving forward then dwelling in the past, and in that approach, it definitely succeeds.
Another thing that works here is the presentation of the protagonist, with the difference in her mentality being quite palpable, and Valerie Yu communicating it eloquently, even without talking almost at all.
In terms of visuals, Jinsui Song and DP Jacqueline Chan implement close-ups extensively, in a style that reminds intently of European cinema, and occasionally appears as excessive. On the other hand, the excellent coloring, as much as some interesting frames, implementing the aquariums in the place the party is taking place, are quite impressive to watch. Song's own editing results in a fittingly fast pace, which allows her to clearly present her story and make some comments about Chinese mentality regarding marriage and family, in the 14 minutes of the short.
“Something Blue” would definitely be better with a bigger duration that would allow the director to present the past in clearer fashion, but the overall presentation of the story and the comments, the acting, the music and the visuals definitely deem the short a title of quality.
