A Great Divide (2023) Movie Review By Joymahidul

An Emotional Journey Through Xenophobia and Personal Growth in Rural Wyoming – A Must-Watch for Every Movie Lover

A Great Divide (2023) – A Powerful Drama on Racism, Family, and Redemption You Can’t-Miss

A Great Divide featuring a Korean American family navigating racism and xenophobia in rural Wyoming.

Introduction

A Great Divide (2023) is an exciting and touching film. It shows the problems of racism, family challenges, and personal growth. The movie addresses fear of outsiders and family pressure. It also tells the immigrant story. The film connects well with viewers, especially those who relate to the struggles of Asian Americans. Its strong story and acting make it a must-watch for anyone into dramas about identity and belonging. In this review, we will discuss the film’s plot, relationships, and important message. By looking at the story, acting, and its impact, you’ll see why A Great Divide is a film to see. Whether you enjoy independent films or thought-provoking stories, this review will highlight what makes this film so impactful.

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Character Dynamics and Cast

A Great Divide is shaped by its strong, detailed characters, who all add to the film’s emotional depth.

1. Ken Jeong plays Isaac Lee. He is usually known for comedy, but in this film, he takes on a serious role. As Isaac Lee, he is a father wanting to start over in rural Wyoming. Jeong shows Isaac as a man trying to stay calm and adjust to the challenges of their new home. His performance is detailed and very emotional.
2. Jae Suh Park plays Jenna Lee, Isaac’s wife. Jenna is determined and strong. She wants to face the racism they experience and protect her son, Benjamin. Park’s acting shows both strength and sensitivity, making Jenna a key character who adds emotional depth to the film.
3. Emerson Min plays Benjamin Lee, their son. Benjamin is the character that shows the audience most of the tension and drama. Min’s portrayal of Benjamin is relatable. It is strong for anyone who has experienced life as a teenager in a small town. His journey of discovering himself, facing racism, and ultimately finding love is a key emotional story in the film.
4. Miya Cech plays Ellie Licht, who is Benjamin’s best friend and maybe more. Ellie is a Chinese adopted who helps Benjamin deal with their new surroundings. Cech’s performance brings emotion to the film. It shows the challenges young people face. They try to fit in a world that doesn’t always welcome them.
5. West Mulholland plays Hunter Drake. Hunter starts as a bully, but he grows and redeems himself. Mulholland’s acting reveals Hunter’s struggle between his background and his morals. This is one of the best parts of the film.
6. Seamus Dever plays Ranger Tom Drake, the bad guy in the movie. Tom Drake shows the strong dislike for outsiders often found in small-town America. Dever gives the character a scary vibe. This makes him a clear enemy to the Lees. They try to fit into their new life.

The supporting cast is exceptional. MeeWha Alana Lee portrays Grandma Shim. Jamie McShane plays George McNather. Together, they add further layers of complexity and depth to the story. Each actor contributes something unique to their role. This uniqueness makes the character dynamics of A Great Divide a standout feature of the film.

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Plot Summary

A Great Divide follows the Lee family – Isaac, Jenna, and their son, Benjamin. They leave the busy Bay Area in California to start fresh in the quiet land of rural Wyoming. Isaac’s new job and Jenna’s wish for a better future for Benjamin drive the move. However, they soon find that the small town is unfriendly. When they arrive, locals greet them with anger and fear because they are outsiders. The film shows how this unfair treatment affects the family’s emotions. It also affects their mental health as they adjust to life in a new place. Isaac tries to fit in and keep a low profile, while Jenna wants to directly confront the racism. This difference in approaches creates stress in the family, as they each struggle to cope with their new situation.

Benjamin, a young boy, has a hard time fitting in and finding where he belongs in his small town. He finds comfort and strength in his friendship with Ellie, a Chinese adoptee who also experiences discrimination. At the same time, there are growing tensions between the Lees and the local community. This leads to a big showdown that makes everyone think about their biases and beliefs.

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Full Movie Explanation and Ending Recap

Part 1: The Move to Wyoming

The Lee family experiences a tough change. They move from the busy Bay Area to a mostly white, rural town in Wyoming. The difference is clear: in San Francisco, they were just another Asian-American family, but in Wyoming, they feel like outsiders. At the start of the film, Isaac tries to stay neutral. He hopes things will get better. Jenna, who is more vocal, wants to fight against racism directly. This difference in their views creates tension in their marriage.

Part 2: The Struggle with Xenophobia

The main conflict of the film involves a family. They want to fit in, but the community rejects them. Benjamin faces bullying at school, especially from Hunter Drake, a classmate who enjoys picking on him. However, as the movie goes on, Hunter starts to change. He begins to see the Lees not as outsiders but as regular people just trying to live their lives.

Ellie, Benjamin’s friend, also faces her own struggles with identity and belonging. Her parents have sheltered her from the more painful aspects of racism. Through her friendship with Benjamin, she begins to understand the world in a more complex way.

Part 3: Confrontation and Resolution

The tension rises for the Lee family. They face a key moment. They must decide how to deal with the open hostility they are experiencing. Jenna, who has been outspoken against the racism, reaches her limit. Isaac’s quiet way of handling things is not enough. The turning point happens when a violent clash forces both Isaac and Jenna to rethink their plans.

The film has a hopeful ending. The Lees are still not fully accepted by the community, but their struggles have made them closer. Benjamin has found love and purpose, and he is no longer the shy boy he used to be. The family is stronger for facing these challenges together, and the film ends on a note of redemption.

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Exciting News, Budget, and Reception

The movie’s budget is not known. The filmmakers focused more on the story and emotions than on fancy special effects. The cinematography, especially the stunning views of Wyoming’s tough landscapes, makes the film feel genuine.

Even though audiences liked it, A Great Divide has received mixed reviews from critics. Some say the pace is slow sometimes and the themes of racism and xenophobia seem too strong. Yet, the actors, especially Jeong, Park, and Min, are praised for their realism and emotional depth. The film has been noticed at film festivals and will likely be on streaming services like Hulu soon.

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My Rating

I would give A Great Divide a 6.5 out of 10. The movie shows a real and touching view of the immigrant experience in America. It deals with deep issues in an emotional and subtle way. The pacing might not suit everyone, but the acting and cinematography make it a film worth watching.

Top 3 Review Sites:

1. Rotten Tomatoes – 80% Audience Score
2. IMDb – 6/10
3. Metacritic – 74/100

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Conclusion and Recommendations

A Great Divide is a movie you should see. It deals with important issues in a caring way and tells a touching story about family and strength. If you like strong dramas that talk about social issues, you should watch this film. Look for it on streaming services and tell us what you think in the comments.

To Watch The Full Movie CLICK HERE

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FAQs

1. What is A Great Divide about?
   • A Great Divide tells the story of a Korean American family. They move from the Bay Area to rural Wyoming. In their new town, they encounter racism and fear of outsiders.
2. Is A Great Divide based on a true story?
   • The movie is not a true story, but it reflects real experiences of racism and the immigrant journey in America.
3. Where can I watch A Great Divide?
   • The film is expected to be released on (watch now) Hulu and other streaming platforms soon.
4. Who stars in A Great Divide?
   • The actors are Ken Jeong, Jae Suh Park, Emerson Min, Miya Cech, and West Mulholland.
5. Is A Great Divide suitable for all ages?
   • The movie talks about serious issues like racism and fear of others, so it is better for older teens and adults.

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