In rooftop conversations, an impressionistic dance sequence that takes place in a parking lot and a devastating conclusion that teeters on the edge of melodrama, Chon finds a tone all of his own.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 18, 2018

It's witty, stylish and ultimately devastating.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 16, 2018

A progressive, refreshing take on the unseen stories of the LA riots.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 16, 2018

A punchy, freewheeling movie set around the LA riots, shot in black-and-white, with something of Spike Lee's style.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 15, 2018

The racial discussions happening throughout are far from simplistic or rudimentary, this fearless multidimensionality giving Chon's script an impressive edge that's invigorating.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 2, 2017

[John] Chon shows a definite talent for drawing out strong performances from his actors, as well as marshaling expressive imagery that's enhanced by Roger Suen's lyrical music score.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Sep 28, 2017

Justin Chon looks at bigotry through the eyes of two Korean brothers in L.A.'s South Central in 1992. The result is hardass yet hypnotically beautiful.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 14, 2017

The film isn't perfect - Mr. Chon's wild camera motions seem more undisciplined than electric - but it does find an angle on the riots that hasn't been seen much onscreen.

| Aug 24, 2017

Chon's tale is ... praiseworthy, from its beautiful cinematography (by Ante Cheng in her feature debut) to its take on infamous events from a fresh perspective.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 24, 2017

Yes, it's uneven, but viewers who can forgive some of its shortcomings will be rewarded, and look forward to whatever Chon may come up with next.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 23, 2017

At Gook's best, Chon captures, with sharply memorable dialogue, both the essence of his particular characters but also the broad drift of generations.

| Aug 23, 2017

Chon's dense, ambitious, and observant film is full of impressive craft and insight.

| Aug 18, 2017

Raw and compelling from its poetic opening shot to its gut-punch finale, Gook doesn't always find the best way to express itself, but it knows what needs to be said.

| Original Score: B | Aug 18, 2017

There's not much to take away from the movie besides its sound and fury.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 18, 2017

Chon directs with style and a humane eye for all parties; he's a dynamic young director to keep your eye on.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 17, 2017

Chon's drama is uneven but bristling with life, and it offers a new perspective on a calamitous moment, one whose 25th anniversary has been commemorated in recent months with a slew of potent documentaries.

| Aug 17, 2017

It fumbles the take on how its characters' anger fits into the greater landscape of L.A. during the aftermath of the Rodney King beating.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 13, 2017

We'll definitely be seeing more from actor/director Chon in the future.

| Aug 10, 2017

Nodding to Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing and Kevin Smith's Clerks, this sophomore feature exemplifies the grunge and angst-ridden energy of the 90s, with a humorous streak as frank as its racially charged title.

| Apr 6, 2017

Gook may not come close to the electric greatness of Lee's 1989 film but, as a gesture in its direction, it's alive with biting promise.

| Feb 22, 2017