Yellow Rose

There are a few themes that intermingle together to form the film’s overall narrative. First, Rose herself. It’s not lost on me that in Asian, the United States is the land of opportunity and being here—legally, illegally, whatever—still means you have a chance at a much better life than living overseas. Rose represents that young woman who, while not born here, grew up with all that America has to offer, and is, for the most part, an American.

Then there’s one of the greatest faults of Americans, in general. Their ability to be compassionate and the roles of Jolene and Dale see an individual endowed with the heart of a country singer—a trait that supersedes gender, race, and legal proof of citizenship.

“…there are no phonies here. Dale Watson brings his decades of experience to the film’s music, songs, and performances.“

In Priscilla’s subplot, Director Paragas does her research and goes through great detail to show how ICE and Homeland Security processes and deports the undocumented. They are clearly, the bad guys in the movie. But can Rose and friends come through for Priscilla at the last minute?

I mentioned Eva Noblezada’s performance before, but it needs to be brought up again. First, the writing and development of her character is spot on. Rose is not portrayed as a cowering victim, constantly on the run. She has her own complexities, primarily pride. While she does some running from ICE agents, it’s her friends and family who do most of the chasing with a chorus of “Rose, come back…” She’s a young woman who refuses to be a burden to anyone, to beg for help, and possibly has serious trust issues too.

If Noblezada is the star, country music is her co-star. The I-Need-To-Express-My-Feelings-And-Country-Is-The-Only-Way-I-Can-Do-It bit has been done countless times in cinema, yet it manages to work wonderfully here. Maybe it feels fresh from this unlikely source. Also, there are no phonies here. Dale Watson brings his decades of experience to the film’s music, songs, and performances. It also helps that Nobelzada can actually sing and beautifully too.

Yellow Rose premiered at the 2019 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.