There's a film playing now at the Sundance Sunset Cinema called "Spa Night"
If you're expecting a lurid exposé of gay cruising in Korean spas, you'll be disappointed in the film. It's primarily a drama about a Korean-American family in Koreatown trying to survive financial hardship and the closeted son trying to figure out his future.
I'm not really a film reviewer so I won't go into too much detail. I liked the film (except the ending) but it really focused mostly on the family, with a few scenes featuring the Korean spas and a young Korean-American's coming to terms with his sexuality. It's not a porn film; you see a few out-of-focus background penises here and there, but most of the sex is only hinted at or offscreen.
I liked the film, though. The family drama was interesting, and the later scenes in the spa were all too familiar to me and I'm sure many others. I laughed when a sign was taped onto the wall warning about inappropriate behavior... just like the ones at Wilshire Spa. I didn't like the way it ended (I won't spoil it for you), but I didn't think it detracted too much from the rest of the film.
The actor who played David was cute, too.
Anyway, I think it was worth checking out. I think it'll be playing at least through Sept. 8th, so if you want to get a glimpse of Korean-American culture along with some spa fun, check it out.
The filmmaker did an interview here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.npr.org/2015/10/06/440549964/spa-hookups-korean-parents-and-coming-out-on-screen-q-a-with-filmmaker-andrew-ah
where he said "Some of the research process was through online forums. There's an online forum for gay men who hook up in Korean spas in LA, stories about what they've done, if anyone's ever gotten caught, things like that." ...I wonder if he's talking about this blog? Hmm.
OMG lol. Given that he director is gay himself, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the research was firsthand as well, lol.
ReplyDeleteI saw it too, David was a lil hottie, of course they chose a handsome masculine in shape lighter skin guy to play the role, wonder if he's even gay.
ReplyDeleteHe's lighter skin than the average Korean? I honestly didn't notice. And who cares if he is?
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DeleteIt's called "acting".
Deleteact like Mystic? manuplate his own skin color? BTW, director explained what is this movie about to get a shot approval for spa owner. They knew and we all knew. if you are non asian/korean client to spa, you come here to fuck around. They just hope that you guys are keep it low.
DeleteThere are non Asians who actually go to relax. I've seen it a ton of times. But you're not wrong either.
Delete"Spa Night" is already a SAVED dvd on Netflix. If you save it then it will move into your queue or show up on Netflix streaming once it becomes available. Most Strand Releasing titles become available on Netflix streaming shortly after their theatrical run if you are unable to see it in limited release at the Sunset Sundance Cinemas.
ReplyDeleteI think the filmmaker gets more money if it makes money in the theater though. So see it there! It's $6 on Tuesdays.
DeleteSunset Sundance is too far away for me so I rely on Netflix and Amazon for independent films that only get a limited release in the bigger cities.
DeleteWhen I saw this movie there was a preview for some other coming of age gay film, does anyone remember the name; I saw it and immediately knew I wanted to watch it but forgot the title
ReplyDeleteI think it was "Closet Monster"
DeleteYES, thank you !
Delete"Closet Monster" opened today at the Sunset Cinemas and Laemmle 7 Pasadena. Good review in the LA Times.
Deleteis there anyplace to watch it now?
ReplyDeleteNetflix status has updated from "Unknown" to "Future Release"
ReplyDeleteSeems to be gone from cinemas
Netflix status updated to "Releases December 2016" in my dvd queue but Strand Releasing also usually shows up at the same time on streaming
ReplyDeleteNetflix status now shows "Releases 12/06/2016" in DVD queue
ReplyDelete"Spa Night" is on Netflix streaming and DVD today,
ReplyDeleteDecember 6, 2016.
I will check it out tonight.
Just watched it last night on Netflix streaming and loved it. It's actually such a great, really tender movie with awesome, nuanced performances.
ReplyDeleteI felt like going to the spa last night but watched this movie instead and checked off these spas filmed. Let me know if I missed any:
ReplyDeleteCrystal Spa (blue lockers at the beginning)
Century (upstairs jimjilbang)
Wilshire (wet area)
Lions (front desk, locker, stairs, and sleeping room)
I liked how it perfectly captured Lion's creaky stairwell and clinking keys. The horrible and rude front receptionist was spot on.
Saw this movie last night on Netflix. I really liked it and thought many parts of it were heartbreaking. Although the film moves very slowly and doesn't quite pay off with the ending, the acting is superb even in the small roles. The actress who plays the mother deserves special praise. The director should be commended for getting great performances out of his actors.
ReplyDeleteIt was funny to see Wilshire Spa featured in most of the spa scenes. I actually thought the jimjilbang was at Wi, but maybe I didn't recognize it as Century. Thanks for clearing up the spa location with the stairs, I didn't recognize that one (but never went to Lions.)