CinemaClock Orangeville

Having to find this film that had a very impressive cast mixed with Western and Asian people had made it like watching a fantasy but had realism as well. What caught my eye was the way Hunt Hoe hustled. To me that was really amazing to see. I also found it had some reality while watching it to the end. This film I saw movement and very poetic and loved the beauty of Thailand. No one would really think that it was done in Montreal but Montreal is known to take certain areas to make it realistic and put it in ways how they want for the countries they need in a film. I found that it got our thinking caps thinking about things in life. The cooking dishes looks absolutely mouthwatering and given many of us felted tempted to want the food. It did have some scary pars but still I found it to be a sensual film. I would think that food lovers and lovers themself would like to see this film and recommend them to see it as well.

Saw this at a fest in the US. Quite a trip. Loved all those cooking scenes and the Thai folie. Loved the rather surreal ending also.

This is real surprise. Our second films of the week. We actually stumbled into this one by mistake, thinking it was another movie. My partner hated it ( too “Fantasia” ) but it’s a fun ride for me. Oh, how I missed the water. I grew up on the islands, where tales of voodooism and mermaids are rampant. Good to know similar folklore exists in South East Asia too. Watch out, we are tied by blood!!!

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
This strangely reminds me of “Enchanted” which I just saw. Instead of Prince, Princess and evil Queen, we have a rock lady and mermaid reincarnation. Instead of Heaven, a paradise island. I didn’t know what to expect and found it weird, dreamy and dangerous - much like my trip to Phuket and Ko Phei Phei. ( now destroyed by the Tsunami ) Come to think of it, the film plays out like a dark twisted version of “Enchanted”. The music score is really great that reminds me of those old horror movies. And was that a Thai hip-hop in there that I heard?! Good to see David LeHaye taking chances in such an unusual role. Or could it be his incarnation?!. I give this a 7&1/2 for bringing me back to those “Full Moon Party” in SE Asia.

What I find most disturbing about this movie is that there are people out there who actually liked this. It is a scary prospect, ‘cause only way one can find anything likable or “poetic” about this film is if one is living in a “Charlie and the chocolate factory” world of his own and it’s definitely unnerving that there are so many of them out there running loose. I vehemently agree with reviewer [...] who perfectly points out everything that’s wrong with this movie. If you are a well grounded person, avoid this disaster at all cost!

This film is obviously interesting and provocative. That much one can deduce before even logging onto this message board, LOL. However, the reactions are the most interesting part of the experience. The dismissive comment that the director would be the only one to positively comment on the film is a bit in the manner of a despot, what happened to the power of the people to decide for themselves? I can personally vouch for the fact that the director does not have time for such nonsense, because he's busy doing everything that it takes to make films in Montreal. That grant money that's up for grabs for all filmmakers isn't just given out like syphillis covered blankets to "settle" Canada, it is actually earned, so if nothing else, we should be admiring Hunt Hoe's hustle to make something out of nothing, or, perhaps in your opinion, nothing out of something. You'd be better off if you quit your belly-aching and producing what you want to see, instead of complaining about what you don't. Once again though, thanks for engaging, it takes a lot of energy to hate like that.

It's nice to see Leah Pinsent on the big screen after her 5 year stint on CBC's "Made in Canada". For those who are not aware, Leah is the daughter of Gordon Pinsent, who starred opposite the Oscar nominated Julie Christie in "Away from her".

I don't believe anyone who gave this film a positive review is a real person. The director must be churning out e-mail addresses so he can review his own film using the anonymity of the internet. DO NOT BE FOOLED by the positive reviews. This film is a shameful waste of Canadian resources. It's because of people like Hunt Hoe that Canadian film has such a terrible reputation. Thanks to 1st bite, films that actually need funding probably won't get it because he sucked it all up and is going to make the NFB think twice before handing over grant money to filmmakers. The film itself is absolutely laughable. It makes no sense whatsoever, it's filled with absurd dialogue that simply frustrates the audience. Calling the script banal, void of meaning and superficial doesn't give it enough credit. I wanted to scream after the first 15 minutes. I stayed because I wanted to give it a fair review. Any actor from this film with even the slightest reputation has now lost whatever credibility they once had. How could these people have been so desperate for roles or money that they'd sign onto this thing? I feel like gagging just thinking about '1st bite'. Whoever worked on this film ought to be ashamed of themselves. Whoever enjoyed this film ought to see a psychologist. Whoever gave money to these people needs to be fired!

First of all, this is a fable that weaves between fantasy and reality. Secondly, there are so much of everything in this film - the absurdity of David Lynch, the suspense and set decor of Hitchcock, cultural explores of National Geography films, accute lighting of film noir... Thirdly, all I could say is it’s an extravaganza. Take it or leave it.

I gather from previous reviews, you either like the film or you hate it. I can see why. I tend to think every daring creation walks the fine line between ridicule and poetry. One previous viewer wrote he wanted to leave but wound up staying. I felt the same. But the thing is I stayed, sat back and wound up enjoying this rollercoaster of a movie. Why should films be always told in the same standard manner?

A beautiful and poetic movie that takes you on a spiritual cross-cultural journey. It also highlights the exoticness of Thailand and the ever charming city of Montreal. If you are brave and openminded, please see this film, it will certainly move you!

There’s a lot of things in the story this one. I’m sure I didn’t get all of them. But, surprisingly enough, the film stays with me over the weekend and makes me think about many things. I guess, this is like one of those Asian multi-course meals, one might not like every dish but at the end, one is satisfied. [...]

This was disappointing in every possible way. Perhaps more so because of the way the previous reviewer (sidigo@) hyped it up by giving it a 9! What was the director trying to say here? Confusing and poor story line, stiff and occasionally laughable acting, and abysmal in every way imaginable. Save your money!

This past friday we gave it a try and we were sooo very disappointed of having paid for a really bad 1st bite. Not reaching a cohesive story, vaguely having some images, a trap by all means... how could the cast accept? How could it have provincial financial support? Waste of locations and a poorly conceived idea, could we call this flop a movie? And you haven't seen it all, until you get to the scene at the Caribbean, with a fake sea backdrop and an overdo chroma key! My wife told me that she felt the urge to get up and leave at various points... I must agree that I felt the same, but we endured because we couldn't believe how we got framed by the deceiving hook of the 1st bite. Avoid at all costs and better indulge yourself with a Tom yum nam khon soup!

Wow! A very sensual film - on one hand, it's amusingly existential, on the other, a little scary! It makes you wonder what one will do for love and food. Food is used here as a metaphor for the essential links between intrinsic values of life-death-passion-ideals. The actors' performances are a bit uneven, given the diverse backgrounds and disciplines, but somewhat fitting to the multi-layered tale. Love Michael Ironside and Guru Agashe in the supporting roles. Quebec's very own David LeHaye holds his own as the love-struck chef in his major English role. Mamee's eerie seductress/antagonist is a welcome change to the stereotypical Asian female image. The East-West fable and the reincarnation philosophy are X file-ish; but bear a surprisingly Shakespearian overtone - especially toward the end. In fact, one could say this is a X File Romeo & Juilliet. And yes, hats off to the breathtaking cinematography. Highly recommend this little gem to food lovers and lovers of life. Bravo! [...]

Hilariously ridiculous. Thought we were on candid camera at the end but no one popped out and said 'gotcha! '. this movie bites.

A surprise favourite of mine at the festival. My girlfriend and I love it. Refreshingly different. The scenes in Thailand make you forget our bitter winter and Montreal has never looked more mythical. The cast, Western and Asian, is impressive. Thailand's Mamee and India's Dr Agash Mohanne are phenonmenal. This doesn't feel or look like a Canadian film at all - in fact, it defies catergorization. It hits you a various sensual levels - eyes, mounth, heart and blood. Well, a bit of an overload at times but it's still a very cool flick especially for those who crave from something different.

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