Kenneth Liu

Some think it is overly sentimental but I thought it was a touching father/daughter love story, a rarity in a day when most on-screen fathers are stereotyped as either buffoons or absent.

Beautiful, moving story. Vivid portrayal of the unjust legal issue of adoptees never given citizenship. Both the mellow music and cinematography complement the story so well. Great balance between the themes of family love and strife, and the tension between wrestling with ghosts of the past and the struggles of today. Although the topic of race is evident throughout the movie, I was pleasantly surprised to find how understated it was. Other than in one opening scene, race was barely ever raised as an issue. It was a theme, but it was never politicized or in-your-face. It was just a normal part of the characters' lives. I don't understand why some professional critics are saying the movie is melodramatic. I actually thought it was quite muted, but gripping due to superb acting -- especially from the amazing young Jessie!

It's not destined to be a classic, but the critics are overly harsh. Yes, it was a bit cheesy, but it had a touching and inspiring ending. I'm glad I didn't read too much about it or see the trailer beforehand. Ignore the critics and just appreciate it for what it is -- a simple, warm, endearing tale.

Funny, sad, moving, and redemptive. Earthy (literally) and lofty. Captures so well what it means to be Asian and what it means to be American. And human.

A bit cheesy (what rom-com isn't?), but warm and lighthearted. A funny and casual family movie, with a great cameo role from Kramer!