Front Cover (2015) Online

It was such a great pleasure to see a film that struck a personal chord with me at the 2015 Seattle International Film Festival. Being an Asian American gay man myself, I loved that Front Cover touched on accepting one's identity in regards to both ethnic background and sexual orientation. I just don't think there are enough movies out there that touch upon both topics so this was a no-brainer for me to see at the festival. There are so many reasons why this film was amazing.

The acting by the two leads Jake Choi (Ryan) and James Chen (Ning) was top notch. The chemistry between the two was very believable and really contributed to this film being a great love story. In the question and answer portion after the viewing, we discovered that both actors are straight. Both of them were very believable as being gay in the film. Character development is also done really well as we get to know Ryan's background growing up with immigrant parents and his personal struggles later on in the film. James also does an extremely good job playing an actor from China. The accent is very realistic.

I also have to say that both the writing and directing of the film was impeccable. From start to finish, the viewer is taken on a journey the two main characters falling for each other. Not only is there a connection in the romantic sense, but they also get closer when discussing their cultural backgrounds and differences. Ray Yeung did a great job of making sure the movie flowed really well.

There are also light-hearted moments in the film as well as some comedy. We get a glimpse into the fashion world and some of the jokes made by the characters were really funny. If you liked The Devil Wears Prada then I'm sure you'll like this film as well. But for sure, this is one of my favorite films because it touched on a few personal topics that I relate with. I recommend this film to all LGBT, indie-movie lovers such as myself. I cannot wait until this comes out on DVD!

My husband and i had the honor of seeing the premiere of FRONT COVER at the Seattle International Film Festival. We actually had free passes and had been looking for a film to see, we settle on FRONT COVER. Neither of us had any idea how enjoyable this film would be. We related to the story as my husband is from China and a fashion designer. The film is very real to life, wonderfully acted and beautifully written. It's one of those special films, without car chases, special effects or a typical Hollywood ending. The film truly stands out against the widely over budgeted films.

One of the lead actors, James Chen, is so outstanding in this film. Again, my husband is who from China, and i, were so surprised that Mr. Chen captured a Chinese accent so well.

Jake Choi, the other male lead, portrayed the Chinese/American attitude almost too well.

After the film was over, we had the honor to meet and talk with the actors and the writer/director. You could feel how proud they are of this film ... as they should be.

I've seen many depictions of the challenges of Asian American identity --in film, dance, theatre and even in a musical. Often it's a tall order to expect a thought-provoking blend of humor, believable dialogue, strong characters, a great story and a fresh approach. Front Cover, which I viewed during its world premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival, fulfills all of that for me.

Since the story takes place against the backdrop of the fashion industry in New York City, you will have to endure the requisite diva tantrums and photo-shoot dramas in the opening scenes. Once past those caricatures, you'll be rewarded by a story with a recognizable emotional cadence, yet with surprising twists and turns.

What I cheered most about was the depiction of the range of Asian masculinity and emotions. American actors Jake Choi and James Chen do a fantastic job--of traveling a journey of wariness, rejection, willingness, trust, intimacy and vulnerability--as the two main characters who in the end are faced, as movie characters always are, with difficult choices to make. The actions they choose render a story that will resonate for nearly anyone.

Having spent years of my life living in Asia and being gay I am always attracted to the stories that come from a gay and Asian perspective. This simple but beautiful film is worthy of your attention. It is not perfect. But, it visually shows some of the angst of self hatred and self denial that are common in the gay and Asian communities; Nothing beats the scene of family and three generations doing their best to survive and thrive in today's world tucked into the middle of this movie. I cannot wait to see what the writer and director have next to say about being an immigrant and gay in the world today. Go see this film and then reach out to hear the stories of those you know and love who may be from another place.

I saw this film as part of the Seattle Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Immediately this film came off very differently from the stereotypical "gay" films that you would see on Netflix or at lesser festivals (the Seattle festival is extremely well curated!). Front Cover focuses its attention on the idea of identity and the many different aspects of life that inform your own sense of identity. Being gay was a big part of this but nationality, upbringing, religion, etc. were all touched on. Having this well rounded approach was a big boon to the movie and kept it from being a "gay" movie and, instead, is a GOOD movie.

My biggest revelation leaving the theater is that one of the male leads, Jake Choi, needs more acting jobs in film and TV. I've seen him in a couple of small parts before Front Cover and this just proved he is an excellent actor with good range.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how touching this film was. Even if you can't personally relate to certain aspects of the characters dilemmas (being gay, being Chinese or Chinese-American), it is still well worth your time.

Each character is relatable in a different way.

Jake Choi and James Chen's portrayals of Ryan and Ning were very relatable and authentic. It was interesting to watch the character development since both of them had initially possessed or at least exuded a certain level of outer confidence although very different levels of confidence at the beginning of the film. This was apparent in their fashion and clothing choices throughout the length of time we get to spend with them. Ryan's fashion being an assortment of button up shirts and ankle length pants or capris, a fashion style seemingly considered to be more westernized while Ning's fashion sense is often a Chinese shirt with a medium-to-high neck collar or a silk robe which is more of an Asian style.

However, the story definitely shifts in perspective for both of the characters and for the viewer as Ryan and Ning become more and more transparent about their insecurities, flaws and fears, Ryan's insecurity being that he'll be treated differently or less of an important person if he discloses any information about his Asian heritage. Ning's insecurity on the other hand, isn't as obvious as Ryan's, but certain hints like Ning being surrounded by a group of familiar people with a similar Asian life experience suggest that he hasn't yet adapted to the western culture. It seems like the focus of Ryan's story, specifically, is on finding that balance that Ning seems to have when it comes to accepting his ethnic background while Ning's narrative is focused more on building up his confidence to accept his own sexuality. In both scenarios, these two men are seeking some kind of balance in their lives and it provides viewers with two different perspectives. Maybe, this is suggesting that we should take the time to listen to other people's perspectives on the world rather than being stuck in our own miniature worlds, so that we can gain a greater understanding of ourselves. In this way, once we see both of their true selves and find out that they also have their own set of insecurities, their stories and experiences become relatable to us and that feeling of uneasiness and not fitting in and/or even being bullied, I think, is one of universal experience.

Front Cover surfaces stereotypes, but doesn't compromise humor and sensitivity.

In regards to how this film dealt with stereotypes surrounding the Asian and Asian American identities, Ray Yeung, the director of the film, incorporated existing, modern-day stereotypes such as Asians always having to eat only Asian food and Asians only hanging out with other Asians, just to name a few. The story was told in an inventive way that utilized humor in between scenes to give the film a light- hearted, balanced feel while still being culturally sensitive to both identities. Yeung uses just enough stereotypes that it doesn't in any way make it seem like he's taking it too far. Also, in no way does it pose as a distraction from the overall story of the film.

Front Cover is definitely unique in its' approach when bringing up the conversation of race and racial stereotyping compared to conventional and in many cases, extremely offensive and one- dimensional portrayals of Asians and Asian American people in mainstream media. Although Front Cover isn't the first film, it is certainly one of few films that actually portrays Asians and Asian Americans in an accurate light and that is refreshing to see.

This film shows that there is more to a person than the superficial.

I was pleasantly surprised when I watched Front Cover at the 2015 Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF). To be honest, I initially went in slightly skeptical about this film, thinking that it would be another one of those sappy love stories about two gay men, except with a new, modern spin that comments on issues about some of the common Asian stereotypes that we see in today's media. However, as the plot continued building on itself, I found that this film was more about seeing the intrinsic qualities of a person behind all of the superficial– appearance, clothing, etc. and if there was anything to take away from this film, it was firstly, to see people for people, regardless of race, ethnicity, social class or any other social constructs that exist. Front Cover was definitely one of those movies that really made me think once I exited out of the theater and it is as transparent and real as the characters are when it comes to talking about race, racial stereotypes, sexuality and human identity; and hopefully, this film can open up a comfortable space where we are no longer afraid to talk about such issues.

Out of words to describe this movie with a beautiful story line. Not many gay movies portraying gay Asian culture. Still taboo within the Asian community. This one was funny but the end was kind of sad. Actors Jake Choi played so well and so did James Chen with his funny Chinese accent. "Front cover" will leave you wanting for more of such movies from the HK producer. That's a movie you won't be tired of watching over and over again. We were really moved by the story and being Asian, my partner and I can relate to 'Ning' in some ways. It sort of took me back years ago when I used to hide as being gay. I highly recommend this movie!

The moment I saw this movie listed as an entry for the Melbourne Queer Film Festival I knew that come hell or high water I had to see this movie. It promised me something pretty awesome (a movie about a gay Chinese-American guy and his relationship with his racial identity and sexuality while also showing a relationship between him and a Chinese guy?! I'm in!) and then offered up a movie that surprised me by how it was even better (and deeply bittersweet!) than I expected.

I immediately recognized a lot of my younger self in Ryan and could remember how I was always so insistent on pointing out my Aussie-born differences whenever everyone and their granny would act like I was a new immigrant and was automatically related to complete strangers so while I was definitely cringing at Ryan's reaction to Ning in the start it was from the recognition and embarrassment of my own not-so-nice behaviour in the past. Ning was interesting in how as the movie progresses you see him alongside Ryan in a far more nuanced and compassionate eye. He's also a fascinating character in his own right who changes over the course of the movie. You get the impression that no matter what he chooses he has already been permanently changed in his heart and mind and that the future might lead to more unseen changes and possibilities.

Although this is definitely a movie that wanted to explore some nuanced topics that other movies don't always show (I am so desperate for Western movies depicting Asians as complex characters!) it does so in a gently humorous way and through a slow-bubbling romance between Ryan and Ning, whose culture clash regarding their Chinese identity and homosexuality manages to be both entertaining and work as a thematic exploration. I have to admit that I have never rooted so hard for a couple before (and this is definitely a relationship that profoundly changes them by the end) but that this is ultimately a story about coming to terms with who you are. A couple of days after seeing this movie (I was still thinking about it a lot) I realized that I loved it for the same reason that I loved Roman Holiday even though these two movies are obviously very different.

The only reasons why I gave this an 8 and not a 10 is because I think that a couple of jokes won't work for some people and I have to warn that this is not quite the straightforward romantic comedy you might hope for. It's ultimately a character drama that features romance, not the other way around. I also wish the best of luck for this movie, hence the lucky number 8.

Please make this available on DVD in Australia someday! Pretty pretty please! This is basically the movie that I've been waiting for all of my life but never even realized so clearly until seeing this.

We loved this story of two men opening themselves to one another despite the contrast in their cultures' acceptance of LGBT relationships. The film gave good insight to the clash in the Asian community as it struggles with acceptance. The huge impact it plays on these two Asian young men's pursuit of happiness tugged at our hearts. Two young men at different ends of the spectrum in regard to respect and understanding of where the other is coming from are forced to meet in the middle and eventually establish a relationship. But where will it lead? The story keeps you wondering how it resolve until the very end. The parents of the character of Ryan were the best!! What a beautiful display of unconditional love.

I was at the show last week in Hong Kong at the HKLGFF and this movie made me so excited that I could not stop talking about it until now. The actors and amazing directors were in the audience and made it even more an unforgettable experience. If you have been around China for a while and you come from the west.. or the opposite, you will find so much of you in any minute of it. And Amanda Lear songs as soundtracks.. damn so perfect! I recommend everyone to watch it. Real, emotional, reserved, shy and upfront. All at once. I learnt I am sand.. been learning to turn into water soon! Hot one hopefully! Thank you directors. As soon as it's out in blue ray, this will be my gift to all my dearest friends!

It is refreshing to see the lives of gay men of color portrayed realistically. A very interesting and wonderful movie. We need more gay movies that explore race and cultural implications in the LGBT community. Kudos to the team for doing such a great job. Other directors need to learn a lesson and focus on the actual struggles of gay men across the entire spectrum racially and otherwise.

I was able to relate to this move. The inclusion of the perspective of parents is refreshing. More movies like this will enable guys to come out or at least think about the coming out process.I liked the pace of the movie. Parts of it were predictable like the homophobic guy being gay. The ending was also cool. The movie didn't rush into two guys falling in love. It rather explored a much natural development.

What a surprise to find 'Front Cover' in the public library. Few are the films that lift the tip of the cover of Asian America. We've seen Ang Lee's 'Pushing Hands' and 'Wedding Banquet'. Yet, Ray Yeung's 'Front Cover' brings us into the world of a hair stylist, Ryan Fu. Gay and as it puts it is a 'potato queen' (a gay Asian who likes whites), a top of the line stylist, who works for a domineering woman boss. Alone, he trolls the internet to hook up for one night stands. As the film opens, he is denied the front cover. A famous Chinese actor looking into the American market only wants a Chinese as stylist. And here's the key to the narrative, and clash of cultures. Ning appears as a spoiled peacock,surround by mostly a gaggle of female groupies; he plays with Ryan as though he were his toy; Ryan for his part will submit to Ning's and his boss' cutting his comb,his pride,his sense of self. Ning is emotionally unsure of himself, and openly gay Ryan existentially ups the emotion turbulence raging within him. A photographer slight makes the docile Ryan who so long has been treated badly throws his career to the wind and quits. Ning flees with Ryan, and the two, free from the restraints of work and career, drink and smoke weed, as though they had found a glen in the forest of Arden. Unexpectedly, Ryan's parents turn up unexpectedly the following morning, so that they as a family can go visit the family matriarch in a nursing home. Ryan's mother and father have accepted their son's homosexuality, and are reconciled to not seeing the family name Fu carried over to a future generation. It is apparent that Ryan and his parents have a loving, easy going relationship and the love they feel is palpable. Ryan's mother is surprised to see a Chinese man in her son's apartment. Drawing the wrong conclusions, although she speaks to her son in Cantonese, she switches to her Mandarin, begins to fuss, make tea and offer him moon cake that she was bringing to the grandmother. Ning apologizes for his rusty Cantonese, as the Fu and he settle into English. Mrs. Fu is happy that Ryan has finally found a Chinese soul mate. She tells Ning that when young her son was set upon by neighborhood bullies,how he would come to home with bruises and black eyes. And how sad she was that as working parents they couldn't better protect their only child. Ning hints he is in the closet to her;he cannot confess to his parents his true feelings. Mrs.Fu coaxes him to join the family as they journey by ferry to grandma's old age home. The trip is a standard device as a means of self discovery for Ryan and Ning. Ryan sees the love and the affection his father has for his wife as he rubs her back briefly, but affectionately during a scene of a Cantonese opera. I strongly suggest you see the film to see the bitter sweet ending: one during which Ryan overcomes his inferiority complex and fear of making bold decisions and affirms himself and the turmoil Ning has but soldiers forth to save his career. Yeung's script isn't without pitfalls but his direction is sure,his camera work professional. And what's more he opens us non Asians to an inner world we rarely see.

Just finished watching Front Cover, and well…I wanted to write a little review.

This movie…was phenomenal, it reflected touching subjects of the Asian gay community that is still prevalent to this day.

I look online and wonder why it received such a low score. After watching it, I know why. People just don't get it. Unlike most gay movies released in America, which is totally centered around sex… this movie speaks volumes, imitating life and capturing reality.

It's up there with Love of Siam….which is the only other LGBT I love…that says a lot. Speaking technical, acting was great and believable, cinematography and soundtrack was wonderful…all had a purpose and meaning to help tell this amazing story.

Watch this! It's on Netflix. Movies like this, are what gets me excited and inspired to be an actor.

This is an easy movie to watch and like. The story is about the modern west and the modern east. Two Chinese men - one from the traditional yet modern world of China and the other born an American but Chinese by heritage. These two men are thrown together because they share a like heritage but are vastly culturally different and they are expected to communicate on a like plain. That doesn't happen.

The American is very open about his sexuality, the Chinese one is very repressed about his true sexual desires. The setting is NYC, a big open city, with liberal neighborhoods where people can feel free to be. This is where the American lives. The other one is from a big country but is expected to fit in everywhere. These two men discover their common interest in each other but we know it will never work. The cultural divide is a major stumbling point for both.

Smartly cast, great dialog, nicely edited. Enjoy !

Really enjoyed the way this film deftly provides a window to the Asian American gay experience, which a mainstream audience may not necessarily be aware of.

Acting was also excellent, and what stood out to me most about the film. I was really surprised to know that James Chen was Asian American because his accent was spot on (from what I can tell of mainland China accents). Another great thing about the story line is that it doesn't provide your usual fairy tale ending. But regardless of whether or not you agreed with the choices made by the characters, you could, at the very least, empathize with their experiences and the pressures they face. Kudos to both leads on a job well done.

One of the best and most successfully diverse indie films in years. You needn't be gay nor Chinese to be captivated by it. One of the surprising issues explored here is independent of sexual orientation: the rarely-dealt-with comparison between American-born Chinese (ABC) and native-born Chinese (NBC) mindsets and lifestyles. And so it's the initially homophobic Beijing actor on the rise and the U.S. immigrant parents of his second-generation out stylist that resonate with each other in surprising ways.

As in too many films dealing with an American gay protagonist, "Front Cover" includes initially clichéd scenes (here, computer sex and dance-bar clubs). But ultimately, each include twists that advance character development and story-line.

The script also subtly wades into aspects of China-U.S. political relations through both comic and dramatic conversations that explore global economic and human rights issues in personal rather than polemic fashion. The lack of a score adds to the realism; but a poorly-chosen handful of scene-transitional songs seem even more out of place as a result.

Thanks to inspired cinematography, NYC's Chinatown has rarely looked both welcoming yet set-apart. Thanks to careful casting, directorial and editing choices, the performances reveal characters both leading and supporting that are all well-delineated and worth caring about.

I didn't see the film on any festival screen. I bought a ticket at a Los Angeles multiplex where paying customers, on exit, discussed how far off-base its critics have been, and how they intend to challenge that with must-see word-of-mouth. Any film that creates a community out of its audience of strangers as this does is a rare gem.

I saw this movie at SF Frameline LGBT festival a couple weeks ago. I went because as a third generation Chinese American and someone who has spend significant time in the PRC I was curious how the East/West clash would be handled. But I had pretty low expectations. Based on the blurb in the festival guide, I thought it would be a superficial, eye-candy piece. After all, what does the high fashion world of twenty something New Yorkers have to do with my low-brow life of Buddhist simplicity as a sixty-year old woman in laid back California? Well....fast forward...The script was full of surprises, the acting was excellent; both leads were terrific. (I totally bought that Ning was from PRC except for a couple tiny accent slips; and was surprised to find later that the actor was a Yale Drama grad). The set and costume design were things to behold. I didn't quite buy the mother character's transformation, but that did not detract from the fun and the drama. I was captivated throughout. I'm going to follow whatever Ray Yeung does from now on. Highly recommend it.

In a world where Asian Americans are being #WhiteWashedOut, FRONT COVER is a perfect example that proves talented Asian Americans exist both in front of and behind the camera.

I recently saw FRONT COVER at FilmOut San Diego where it won Best Screenplay! As a gay Asian American, it was absolutely refreshing to see a story I could relate to with both complex characters and an Asian American lead. Jake Choi (Ryan) is a talent to keep your eyes on. He proves that Asian American men can be sexy, funny, dynamic, and real. With a myriad of television and film experience under his belt, I wouldn't be surprised to see Choi with other lead roles in the near future.

FRONT COVER is so much more than your typical American gay comedy film. The characters are visceral, the story is multi-dimensional, the writing is authentic, and the technical aspects are all well executed. Along with the rest of the audience, I laughed at numerous jokes that touch on a range of topics from sex to culture to fashion. At the same time, I genuinely found myself caring and rooting for the characters, something I often struggle with in many American LGBT films.

On a personal level, I truly felt connected to the characters and the story. Not just as an Asian American and not just as a gay male, but someone who experiences the intersection of these two identities together. The Asian American narrative needs new voices and Ray Yeung (writer, director) has adequately added his voice to help fill that void.

I look forward to seeing FRONT COVER grow and succeed as it continues its festival tour. I hope to see the same success for this film that other recent Asian American films like SEOUL SEARCHING and SPA NIGHT have had by traveling the festival circuit.

This is a very touching film where we encounter two Asian men, one North American raised and one that was raised back in the homeland of China. The film captured all the essences of the attitude of both Asian men based on where and how they are raised within the Asian and Gay culture. I myself being Canadian born Chinese and gay, it was very easy for me to relate to the main character who was born on this side of the world. But also being brought up by parents that immigrated to Canada, I also can relate to the attitude of the Mainland Chinese Star with respect to the heritage and rites taught as part of the Chinese culture. This film will capture your heart, make you laugh, make you sad, but most of all it will show you how to honor and be true to oneself, yet honor those that you care and have love for, despite your differences.

I first saw this movie at the Seattle International Film Festival with the cast and crew in attendance and was charmed. I asked the director if he was inspired by Audrey Hepburn and he responded, "what gay man isn't inspired by Audrey Hepburn???" Like "Roman Holiday," Actor James Chen's character Ning, travels to a distant city (New York) where he has a journey of self- discovery, inspired by Jake Choi's Ryan, a stylist for a fashion magazine.

I went back to see the movie at the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival last night - with an appreciate audience and was caught in its spell again. The movie is a stylish tale of fashion, perfectly capturing the glamor of New York as Ryan is asked to style Ning for a fashion shoot. Ning, a young actor about to make his U.S. debut wants to present an image to the U.S. audience that is distinctly Chinese and insists on a Chinese stylist. Ryan is totally assimilated and disconnected from his Chinese identity (preferring French wine to sake). Through stops and starts, the men connect - as do the actors to their roles and each other. The movie stops to bring in Ryan's parents in a beautiful scene(s) that brings added heart to the movie.

A truly fashionable, stylish movie, about a young gay Asian man, learning about family, love, cultural identity in a delightful way. Sexy, heart warming and fun - and with a killer soundtrack!

I saw Front Cover at the Seattle Film festival and loved it! The story revolves around Ryan (Jake Choi), the Chinese American fashionista who is assigned to re-design the fashion sensibilities of an up-and-coming Chinese movie star, Ning (James Chen). Cultural clashes occur and it is fun to see their relationship grow into a friendship and then more. I am a CBC (Canadian born Chinese) who, like the main character, grew up not appreciating my identity – actually running from it and later back towards it. I also just happened to be married to my husband who grew up in China. I can definitely relate to this story. Both actors bring strong presence to their characters. There is great chemistry between the two main leads, and the director allows the audience to feel the attraction organically develop through the subtle glances and well placed physical contacts. When they finally become more intimate, the scenes are electric and beautifully framed.

This is my favorite film by Ray Yeung. The director does a great job of allowing viewpoints from both sides and explores mature themes (sense of isolation in one's own culture and pressures of gay life in Asia today) that are relevant in contemporary societies. He balances moments of tenderness (Ning's interaction with Ryan's parents), comedy (Ryan's cruising/ on-line dating challenges), and tension (enter the girlfriend!) fluidly. Keeping the themes and outcome realistic lends to the power of fine story telling. The soundtrack enhances the emotional heart of the film.

I was fortunate to see this movie in Sydney, AU during Queer Screen. It was a treat. I have never seen an LGBT film where two Asian men fall in love. Usually it is an Asian man falling in love with a white man.

I was concerned at the beginning because the cuts and the acting seemed disjointed, but about 10 minutes into the film, the tone changed and was pleasantly surprised. Jake Choi was great as the fashion stylist. He could have played this stereotypical gay with the limp wrist and a lisp. That Was not the case. He played him strong, confident, and "real". There were layers with his character. He was not the party-boy druggy. But the career-driven successful man.

James Chen was a standout as well. I totally believed he was a famous actor that struggles with his sexuality. I am from NYC, and I live in this bubble of the "Gay Mecca" and forget that there are people in different cultures that struggle with their sexuality and acceptance.

The ending is so bittersweet and honest. I really loved it.

Make sure to check this out during the LGBT festival circuits. You will not be disappointed.

This film tells the story of a American Chinese fashion editor who is tasked with the transformation of a Chinese star.

It is a good story that combines romantic comedy with drama elements about the traditional family values of Chinese culture. I find the characters a bit stereotypical, especially the Chinese star's entourage. The two leads are likable and they are close to real life. Their experiences can be related to easily. I enjoyed watching it.