Yellow Rose

I've seen this trope before - Immigrant family struggling through an unkind America. IMO, this is the majority of themes in Asian America cinema that can get overwhelming for people like me who root for the success of APAs. There is an influx of APA immigrant stories through film at the moment, so it's quite memorable and refreshing when a film stands out from a familiar trope. Director Diane Paragas's intentional choices makes Yellow Rose a worthy competitor to studio films in the coming-of-age genre. The casting of Eva Noblezada makes Yellow Rose a special film. You root for her, get annoyed with her, but want her to succeed through stubborn flaws. The way Eva portrays Rose is the heart of the story that should go down as nothing less than brilliant. The immersion of Rose in the country music scene of Texas is as apple pie you can get. Square Peg is a simple, beautiful country song. Another great choice is a love story not overdone, but enough to recognize the innocence of young love amidst a developing serious situation. Princess Punzalan depicts Rose's mom with classic emotional beats, even with the storyline of a family on ICE's radar not moving the needle for me. Ms. Punzalan makes it worthwhile. Yellow Rose should be a film to be appreciated over time. It also brings the developing Filipino American cinema to a level sorely needed as the first film to depict lead characters of Fil-Am background in an inclusive way. Bravo to Yellow Rose for reminding us that square peg characters are our favorite underdogs.

Was really surprise by this film and singing in it was really good. Was really refreshing to see a younger person being mentor by old person and the younger person not being a know it all.

Fresh, sweet and also poignant. Explores the dilemma of undocumented immigrants and the brutal deportation system, but also the courage and talent of a teen girl with Filipino heritage struggling to become a country singer/songwriter in Texas. Different and appealing.

Touching story of Rose, an undocumented Filipina teen, living in Texas. After her mother is picked up by ICE, Rose is left with some difficult choices and circumstances. While trying to navigate life as an illegal immigrant, in fear of being deported, Rose pursues her dream of being a country singer-songwriter, meeting some supportive and caring folks along the way. This understated film is very well acted by the entire cast and though the story is simple it tugs at your heartstrings. I like that the teen romance took a back seat and was just a small facet of the film and there was more focus on the songwriting and the music. which is beautiful and emotionally sung by the actress Eva Noblezada (Rose) and country musician Dale Watson, who also stars in the film (as well as a beautiful Filipino lullaby sung by Lea Salonga.) . Rated PG-13 for a few (authentic and not just for the heck of it) swear words. A beautifully told story IMHO! 5/2021

The scripting could have been better. It seemed like a first attempt. Mostly, it suffered one major flaw; given that much of the movie was about singing, there wasn't nearly enough of that in the movie. But it wasn't terrible.

This movie is full of delicate and beautiful scenes.

This is a unique topic and for that it gets serious credit. There is some poor writing along the way that makes this movie drag. So close to good. Just not quite there. There are many beautiful marks that are hit in this movie. It's the ones that are left hanging that leave you longing.

When it's not preachy, Yellow Rose is an excellent film.  It tackles a serious issue (Immigration), and combines a coming of age love story and an unlikely friendship.  It's not perfect, but it's genuine.  I cried tears of sadness and tears of joy for a film that is hopeful.  Lots of smiles!  Final Score: 8/10

This is a beautiful coming of age movie with the twist while making her way. A surprise appearance by Dale Watson rounds out an excellent cast that makes for a heartwarming story of picking yourself up from tough circumstances

Apart from the irritating mother, this was pretty good.