White on Rice

Nominated for Grand Jury Prize!

Director: Dave Boyle

Writers: Dave Boyle, Joel Clark

Cast: Hiroshi Watanabe, Nae, Mio Takada, Lynn Chen, James Kyson Lee, Justin Kwong

Producers: Duane Andersen, Dominic Fratto, Michael Lerman, Meg Boyle

Jimmy (Hiroshi Watanabe, LETERS FROM IWO JIMA) loves dinosaurs and sleeps on the top bunk. Unfortunately, Jimmy is 40 and shares that bunk with Bob (Justin Kwong), his 10-year-old nephew. Freshly divorced, Jimmy lives with his sister Aiko (Japanese Academy Award winner Nae) and her family while boldly searching for a new wife. His brother in-law, Tak thinks he’s a disaster. And although Jimmy may lack social grace, he is convinced the best years of his life are just beginning. His plan seems like it’s all falling into place when Tak’s beautiful niece Ramona (Lynn Chen, SAVING FACE) moves in. But once Jimmy sets his sights on stealing her from his best friend Tim (James Kyson Lee, Heroes), he sees his intentions go hilariously awry.

Dave Boyle’s second film WHITE ON RICE is a warm, quirky film that reminds us that we don’t have to grow up to move forward. While the surface is a lighthearted comedy the whole family can enjoy, Boyle has created a subtle and heartfelt story about a family’s ability to adapt, persevere and remember how to show their love for one another. Hiroshi Watanabe is pitch perfect; both infuriating and charming as Jimmy, who wanders through life with total certainty and utter cluelessness.

Rose Pergament, DisOrient Associate Director:

[84 minutes]