Rosemead: A Gut Punch to the Heart, An Eye Opener to the Soul
This under the radar film is inspired by a true story that also deserves more recognition
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Rosemead was not a film that I planned on seeing until I realized that Lucy Liu was in it. That's kind of terrible right? Or is that the norm? Either way, I’m glad that I was able to see this phenomenal work of art.
I caught a screening of Rosemead back in Fall of 2025 at a film festival in which Lucy Liu was in attendance. She spoke about how deeply passionate she was about the movie, and how she didn’t want to take away from the importance of the story. I believe her work on this film, both on and off the screen, has helped to bring more people (such as myself) to learn about the mother and son that this story is inspired by.
A.Monique
The story of Rosemead is inspired by a true story that was previously covered in an LA Times article. I’ve included the link, but I encourage you to read AND watch the film; the order in which you want to do it is your choice.
The article helps paint the picture, and the film brings it to life.. I knew nothing of this painful story of the mother and son, and now thanks to Lucy Liu and the team behind the film, I will never forget them.
How Was the Movie?
Rosemead is a very intense drama that builds up as a slow burn. It starts as a story about a loving Taiwanese American mother and son duo and slowly reveals the darkness and pain that is haunting their family.
There is so much to explore from this story, but mental health and culture are some of the biggest elements.
If this movie is anything, it’s real. It’s a real look at society and how we treat immigrants, mental wellness, and cultural differences. It’s a real look at hope and faith, and just how quickly that can be lost when you feel that there is nothing else to lose.
I honestly wasn’t sure what I was walking into before watching this film, and I ended up feeling so broken after leaving it. It’s very difficult to talk about the film without spoiling too much, but ultimately the movie left me thinking about what could’ve been done differently to make this story happier (both in real life and in the film)?
Overall, the film honors the family, and does an excellent display of what emotional and psychological trauma can do to a person.
Best Parts About the Movie?
The Visual Perspectives of Schizophrenia:
2025 gave us two very good pieces that displayed what it can be like for a person suffering from Schizophrenia; Monster: The Ed Gein Story and Rosemead. One clearly received much more attention, but both are inspired by real people and their experiences.
It’s difficult to watch Joe (the son) being confused by what he is enduring, while going through spells of anger, fear, and sadness. It’s even harder to watch Lucy Liu as his mother, Irene, trying to figure out the best way to help her son while dealing with her own personal battles.
The True Story :
I believe that one of the main purposes of this film was to get the Hang family’s story out, and Rosemead does so very gracefully. This is very much a story driven film, where you feel like a fly on the wall seeing every intimate moment of the characters’ lives.
Lucy Liu:
Lucy Liu did amazing in this role, and this is honestly one of the best roles I’ve seen her in. You feel the love that she has for her son and the desperation for her to make him happy. You also feel the intense pain when despair hits.
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Is This Movie for You?
This is a rare moment where I will say this movie is for everyone. This is a story that everyone should witness at least once. Too often we get caught in our own lives, that we forget that there are others out there suffering and struggling with their own battles.
I wish someone would’ve been there more for Irene and Joe; or rather the real people that their story is inspired by. Watching this film helps to learn more about who they were beyond a new article headline, and hopefully brings more light to their spirits.
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