Review by Sunny Oh.

Rose Hong, a beautiful lounge singer, immigrates to Australia with her two children to marry a sailor. Her vivid cheongsams stand out in 1970’s Australia. Played by the lovely Joan Chen, Rose is a sincere mother who makes terrible decisions. After leaving her sailor husband, Rose drags her two children from home to home, living off a series of “uncles.” The kids scramble to lead normal lives as their loving mother hardens and eventually breaks down under the pressures of poverty and tempestuous relationships.

Director Tony Ayres candidly confesses that Home Song Stories is based on his own experience growing up in Australia with a mother who also made bad choices. A welcome addition to growing list of Asian diaspora films, Home Song Stories presents a wonderfully even presentation of the desires and battles of both the first and second generations.

Home Song Stories
Tony Ayres | Australia | 2007 | 103min

Wed. Oct. 3 | 1:30pm | Pacific Cinematheque
Sat. Oct. 6 | 7:00pm | Empire Granville Theatre
Sun. Oct. 7 | 1:00pm | Empire Granville Theatre