You’re right, “After This…” is certainly more “naturalistic” than the traditional melodrama. I wouldn’t say it’s a western/eastern filmmaking style; in fact, I could easily imagine a story like this in an Asian soap opera as well. I think because of that, it might hit too close to home for American audiences, hence the strong reactions at the screening.

rachael,

Good thing you understand. I was worried I was kind of stretching it.

Anonymous,

You can at least leave your name next time if you’re going to be insulting someone. And I honestly don’t see where the “pretentious high horse” comment came from.

Your comments are dumb. The vast majority of Asian films are so lacking in subtlety it’s not even funny. For every “After This Our Exile” there are 100 comedies where where their idea of “comedy” is to mug endlessly for the camera. Get off your pretentious high horse. It’s not about the racial makeup of the audience, and which is superior, it’s the fact that most movies, Asian or otherwise, are simply unintelligent crap.

I think American audiences would have a hard time with it precisely because it doesn’t hit you over the head with emotional moments; they just happen.