LAAPFF 2020: The Paper Tigers
LAAPFF2020During any festival circuit, while being enamoured with ten to forty films, its often a surprise to find a true gem that works on multiple levels and stands out from the crowd. Quoc Bao Tran's The Paper Tigers is that very film and is an exceptional piece of tonal balance.
It is difficult where to start with the plaudits that can be thrown towards Quoc Bao Tran's film. However, it must be said that the balance of tone is an utter masterclass. On the surface this is, first and foremost, a comedy. One that is not only exceptionally good at what it does but also an element that, in any way, does not hinder the more compelling and poignant undertones. Each segment does have its comedic sensibility, but the restraint and maturity shown by writer/director Quoc Bao Tran are masterful.
The performances? Even better. Ron Yuan is nothing but incredible here. The comedic ability, and again, not to become repetitive, but the balance between headstrong emotional gravitas performances and comedy, is entangled in utter magnificence. If Ron Yuan takes the comedic elements in his stride, it is Alain Uy who takes the more dramatic edge; placed in a failing marriage and a failing relationship with his son in the midst of this return to his youth. Uy shines in a fabulous, multifaceted and beautiful performance. Again the balance of dramatic nature, as well as the softer side to the performance, is showcased with a wonderful and captivating blend.
Furthermore, inspired by classic Jackie Chan features and East Asian cinema as a whole, the action set pieces are crafted in a wonderful tongue-firmly-in-cheek manner. That being said, if the viewer thought that this comedic centric would imply that the choreographer is anything less than average, they would be utterly mistaken. Quoc Bao Tran's The Paper Tigers has better action sequences than the plethora of Hollywood types the viewer will have seen all year. The image is wide and conveys the set-piece as a whole so the audience can feel the energy and be truly immersed. The fluidity of the camera is constant but, in the same breath, steady and stable in allowing the set-piece to develop.
If there is any small complaint, it is that Mykel Shannon Jenkins is slightly wasted in his talents as the third member of this estranged trio. Granted, Jenkins encompasses both comedy and dramatic elements from the other two leads, but his story is lacking — due to no fault of his own. Nevertheless, The Paper Tigers is an enthralling ride from start to finish. Filled with terrific comedy and delicately crafted poignancy on creed and purpose, it is hard not cement Quoc Bao Tran's The Paper Tigers as one of the best this year.
