Yellow Rose

 

We've seen so many biopics in the past when going to the theater, that when a film comes along about the rise of a new performer, we tend to assume that it's a biopic. Even though "Yellow Rose" seemingly comes across as a biopic, it isn't. Does this detract from this 'rites of passage' film? Not in the least. In fact, it's fresh to see a fictional story that carries us effortlessly from scene to scene.

A Filipina teen, Rose Garcia (Eva Noblezada) from a small town outside of Austin, Texas fights to pursue her dreams as a country music writer/performer, while having to decide between staying with her Aunt Gail (Lea Salonga) since her mom, Priscilla (Princess Punzalan) was deported back to the Philippines by ICE, or leaving the only home she has known. If it wasn't for a good friend, Elliot Blatnik (Liam Booth), a bar owner, Jolene (Libby Villari) and a country singer, Dale Watson playing himself, Rose's journey would've been next to impossible to obtain. With this 'roller coaster' ride of a life of hers, she sticks to her guns even though all looks grim. 

Others to round out the cast are Susan Myburgh as Aleta Peacock, an immigration attorney, Beau Smith as Alan and Gustavo Gomez as Jose, a co-worker of Rose.

This was directed with such pathos by Diane Paragas ("Brooklyn Boheme" (documentary) '11) plus TV documentaries and shorts. Certainly the experience this filmmaker had delved into with documentaries and TV has served her well. I have felt that 'cutting ones' teeth' in TV can only assist when projecting oneself into the feature film business and this director proved this. She was able to make these characters come alive, especially with Noblezada playing Rose. It will be interesting to see how she does with "The Three Lives of David Wong", a documentary which is in pre-production. It was written with depth and sincerity by Annie J. Howell ("Small, Beautifully Moving Parts" '11, "Claire in Motion" '16, "Little Boxes" '16) plus TV, a TV documentary and a short, and Celena Cipriaso (TV and a short), based on a story by Andy Bienen and Paragas. Even though this, as it unfolded, was a bit predictable, it still had passion, compassion among all the crisis in which this 17-year-old and her family were forced to endure. One scene that I thought wasn't fully explained was when this teen's mom was caught by ICE, unless someone blew her cover as an undocumented person, how would they even know that she was there? But then there wouldn't be a way that Rose would be forced to 'find her way'. Otherwise, considering the limited experience of these two writers. this was a compelling script. Assuming they will receive more work, I would be excited to see what they can do next.

If 'rites of passage' films are to your liking, this will certainly fit the bill. It has an extremely talented and believable cast, especially Noblezada as Rose. She could easily receive an Oscar nomination for her work. Possibly Villari as Jolene could receive a supporting nomination as well. A small film that packs a wallop in spades!

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                          Rated: PG-13                                           94mins.