Now playing in select theaters is the drama, Confetti.
Confetti stars Amy Irving, Helen Slater, Zhu Zhu (Cloud Atlas), and introducing the adorable Harmonie He.
The film was directed by Ann Hu (Shadow Magic), and produced by Josh Green, Zhou Shungo and Ann Hu.
Lan (Zhu), her husband and their adorable daughter MeiMei (He) like in a small city in China. Lan works as a custodian at the school where her daughter attends. Her husband is a tailor.
MeiMei is excited to start school, but her excitement is soon shattered when her classmates make fun of her for not being able to read or write. Even the school’s principal has no compassion for her, and tells Lan that she should look into another school for their daughter, or explore other options. But what options?
MeiMei has an American teacher (Mr. Thomas) in who school who teaches the children English. He suspects that MeiMei has dyslexia. He tells her parents and suggests that they find a school where they teach children with dyslexia. Sadly, there is no school anywhere near where they live, or even in the country, that would cater to children like MeiMei.
MeiMei’s teacher suggests going to the United States, where there are plenty of school’s that would help teach children with dyslexia. Lan feels like it’s the only hope her daughter has, so they pack their bags and head to the U.S. in hopes of finding a school that can help MeiMei before it’s too late and she’s no longer able to learn.
Lan and MeiMei can stay with MeiMei’s English teacher’s sister Helen (Irving). Helen is less than keen to open her home to the mother and daughter, most especially because they don’t speak English (MeiMei knows only a few words). Initially, Helen wanted them to move out, but quickly became invested in MeiMei’s plight.
Things do NOT go easy for Lan and MeiMei. Finding a school that will accept MeiMei is one thing, but the outrageous fees (tuition, testing…) and waiting lists (up to two years), is another. Lan doesn’t let these roadblocks stop her. This is her daughter, and she will do whatever she can to fight for what is best for her. She doesn’t want MeiMei to grow up like her (a janitor or working in a factory for minimal pay). She wants to see her daughter succeed.
Lan is also hiding a secret from everyone, including her husband and daughter.
Will Lan ever find a way of getting her daughter into a school that can help her? Can MeiMei be helped, or is it too late? And what is Lan’s secret? To find out, go see Confetti. Look for it at a theater near you.
First of all, little Harmonie Hu (MeiMei) is ADORABLE. If this was her first time acting, you’d never know it. She’s a natural and she really helped pull at your heart strings. Watching the film, all I could do was root for her character. I too wanted MeiMei to succeed, make friends and be happy.
I am not familiar with actress Zhu Zhu, but she also did an amazing job as Lan. Even though the movie focused on finding a school to help MeiMei, you couldn’t help but feel for Lan. I found myself rooting for her just as much. After all, she is doing EVERYTHING in her power, even working back-to-back jobs, to help her daughter.
I was shocked to see Amy Irving. I haven’t seen her in ages on the big screen (or television). I honestly didn’t recognize her at first. Helen Slater (The Legend of Billie Jean) looks the same, she hasn’t changed much. Although for a brief moment I thought she was Lindsey Wagner.
Overall I thought this was a wonderful film. The acting was well done and the story was outstanding.
I don’t know if this is based on a true story or not, but it’s sad to know that in this day and age that there are schools in the world that are ill-equipped to teach children with dyslexia and other learning challenges.
Here are some interesting facts from the film about dyslexia.
Very interesting, most especially the part with all the famous people who also had/has dyslexia. It just goes to show that people with dyslexia are intelligent, and not “dumb” or “challenged” like MeiMei’s first school alluded her to be. How sad that some schools would even think to make out someone with dyslexia like that.
If you are looking for a movie to go see this weekend, look for Confetti at a theater near you.
I should make note that there are subtitles in this film, since Lan does not speak English (by the end she only knows a few words). Most of the film (when Lan and MeiMei get to New York) is primarily in English.
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.