Cast
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Lea Salonga
as Kei Kimura
Telly Leung
as Sammy Kimura
George Takei
as Sam Kimura / Ojii-Chan
Katie Rose Clarke
as Hannah Campbell
Michael K. Lee
as Frankie Suzuki
Christopher Nomura
as Tatsuo Kimura
Aaron Albano
as Tom Maruyama
Belinda Allyn
as Swing
Marcus Choi
as Johnny Goto
Janelle Dote
as Mrs. Maruyama / Executor / No No Girl
Crew
Director
- Lorenzo Thione
Writer
- Jay Kuo
- Marc Acito
- Lorenzo Thione
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Allegiance examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Lorenzo Thione brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Allegiance took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 167 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Allegiance shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike National Theatre Live: Hamlet, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Allegiance subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Bunker and Die Anruferin explore similar territory, Allegiance stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 13, 2016
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Revenue: $902,012
Where to Watch
