Is Yes, And... Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)
When an obsessive compulsive Asian-American actor meets the girl of his dreams on his way to therapy, he makes it his mission to convince her to stay when she tells him she's already planning on moving out of town for good. Meanwhile, he struggles to cope with uninvited guests who have overstayed their welcome in his one-bedroom apartment: his newly divorced and jaded best friend in need of a place to stay, and his aging but loving parents who are in town for dad's urgent operation (and who never fail to embarrass him). With seemingly the whole world giving him life advice after seeing him experience a series of disappointments with the girl and with his career, he suffers a nervous breakdown, forcing him to come to terms with what it means to truly live in the moment by reacting and acknowledging what's in front of him, rather than forcing what he wished were in front of him.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Romance, Comedy, Drama cinema, then Yes, And... offers a fresh and engaging experience that justifies its existence in the 2015 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Yes, And..., a standout production of 2015, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Romance, Comedy, Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into When an obsessive compulsive Asian-American actor meets the girl of his dreams on his way to therapy, he makes it his mission to convince her to stay when she tells him she's already planning on moving out of town for good. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Romance, Comedy, Drama are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "When an obsessive compulsive Asian-American actor meets the girl of his dreams on his way to therapy, he makes it his mission to convince her to stay when she tells him she's already planning on moving out of town for good. Meanwhile, he struggles to cope with uninvited guests who have overstayed their welcome in his one-bedroom apartment: his newly divorced and jaded best friend in need of a place to stay, and his aging but loving parents who are in town for dad's urgent operation (and who never fail to embarrass him). With seemingly the whole world giving him life advice after seeing him experience a series of disappointments with the girl and with his career, he suffers a nervous breakdown, forcing him to come to terms with what it means to truly live in the moment by reacting and acknowledging what's in front of him, rather than forcing what he wished were in front of him."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Audiences are treated to a masterclass in acting by Kamuela Kim, whose portrayal of the protagonist is imbued with a depth and vulnerability that is rare in contemporary Romance. The chemistry with the supporting players is palpable, creating a gravity that pulls the viewer into the screen.
The direction by Alex Chu is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its N/A minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Yes, And... truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Romance, Comedy, Drama, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.
The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 10/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Yes, And... explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Alex Chu respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Yes, And... is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Kamuela Kim or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Yes, And... is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.