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About the film:
Now Chinatown is about a woman named Lee who is sent over to America to raise money for her sick mother in China. She is abused by those who are more fortunate than her until she meets a man named Steve. Steve gives Lee hope by letting her know that she can do whatever she wants and do not have to take abuse from anybody. This romantic/drama film explores the deep dark pains of resentment, the compassion of a stranger, and experiences of happiness from just the simple things in life. The film's ability to carry out the sentimental expressions of a repressed chinese woman is astonishing and well credited.
Critiques of the film:
"Now Chinatown was a very pleasent surprise to watch. This wonderful film could play in any theatre and become a hit. I would like to show this film at the Academy 6 as soon as possible."
-Ramon Carcia Lence,President of Astro Theatres Inc.
"Touching and incisive...Now Chinatown looks great!"
-Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times excerpt
"I am always slightly worried when starting to screen a film that is written, directed, produced and starred by the same person. Steven Dunning proved me wrong. His film "Now Chinatown" is enchanting and captivating. His dedication to his craft in front of and behind the camera promise a strong career. The story line flows smoothly, and in the scenes, where action slows down, the well composed and performed music fills the screen. Excellent entertainment that makes you think the values of human life!"
-Erkki Kanto, Hollywood correspondent
"It's a brilliant, universal, and moving story which everyone can relate to. What he (Steven Dunning) has done wearing all hats as a writer/producer/director/actor is miraculous. The dialogue was sweetly subtle and so well-written, the whole movie has a magical realism. The large cast of characters are intriguing. A marvelous chemistry exists between Dunning and Hu. A truly excellent debut. Four stars."
-Yenny Nun, Hollywood Foreign Press Association
Paramount Studios Industry Screening "Now Chinatown" is a remarkable achievement for first-time director/writer/producer Steven Dunning. It is an important story that needed to be told about a girl from China who is working in America to help pay for her grandmother's needs. She is practically an indentured servant in the Chinatown restaurant where she works. This is something, unfortunately, that is happening very often in real life. There are many poignant scenes, particularly when the Empress, a local Chinatown dignitary played by award-winning actress June Kyoko Lu, gives comfort advice to Lee, the young woman played by Lianne X. Hu.
-Carolyn Fox, Hollywood News Service
