Bad Axe

A documentary feature from first-time filmmaker David Siev who puts on screen a love letter to his family that punched me in the gut in the final 15 minutes. Siev is the son to parents who own a restaurant, Rachel's, which is one of two centerpieces of the film. The other, Bad Axe, Michigan will be a town you most certainly will remember thanks to Siev. There are times when the drama seems a touch created, but others where it's all too real. What was it like for Asian Americans to live under Trump? Kudos to Siev who actually managed to make Kamala Harris sound good. This guy is magic! This doc will draw you in with the character and charm of its subject matter. Final Score: 8.8/10

A story about 100% red blooded American hicks who are very much a part of the problem. They don't like guns and combat gear but shoot military style rifles in their yard and sleep with their shotgun. And they mistakenly believe it is the American Dream.

Fantastic doc! Wow! Still blown away after seeing it. If I'm ever in this town, I know where I'm eating for dinner. 😊💪

Beautiful documentary about a struggling restaurant family.

So far among the documentaries coming out about the pandemic, this is the only movie I've seen that has such a singular small town focus, yet still manages to be holistic in its scope. This Asian/Mexican/African-American family (who probably single-handedly make up a significant percentage of the entire minority population of Bad Axe, Michigan) had a front row seat to all the drama of the COVID-19 pandemic, the frontline workers who had to deal with it, the Asians who had to deal with the unfair blame and possible violence related to the pandemic's reported source, plus the fallout from Trumpism and the George Floyd killing. When I saw it, I wondered how it was going to fill up an hour and 41 minutes time. After watching it I realized it could've lasted three hours and still kept the viewer focused.

Touching and well-paced pandemic story.

Amazing, touching raw film about a real family in crisis and how they deal with living in a town in conflict. Watch this film!

We live in this beautiful country with about 38% traitors. Anti American gaslighters. It's disgusting. This movie shows you the struggle we all face against these nasty people.

If you haven't taken the time to watch Bad Axe film, you must! This documentary film is a gripping account of rural life from an immigrant & second-generation perspective during the events of 2020. Regardless of where you live or your background, the film is relatable and gripping. David's short film, Year Zero, helps set the backdrop for this intimate and emotional documentary film. Highly recommend watching that as well. David's passion for storytelling is inspiring and at it's core, makes you feel like an honorary member of the Siev family. The film is an invitation to get a glimpse into the life of their loving and close-knit family in the face of extraordinary challenges. Everyone should watch this film.

Don't normally rate/review movies. Also am a bit skeptical of media tackling such weighty topics without pushing an agenda. But this film felt unique. Was truly touched by the family's story. We all went through this phase of US history together and we all have our own American Dream. There is something here for everyone to connect with - would highly recommend.