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My Name Ain't Suzie

My Name Ain't Suzie (1985)

Oct 24, 1985 1h 36m Drama

Hungry for fun, American soldiers crowd the bars of late-’50s Hong Kong. Staffed with handpicked young girls from the countryside, the Lucky Bar is the most popular of them all, and Shui Mei is the smartest and keenest of the apprentices working there. She soon catches the eye of Jimmy, who every evening wanders from table to table, showing his father’s photo and asking for news about him.

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Directed by Angie Chen

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Angie Chen
Writer
  • John Chan
Producer
  • Mona Fong Yat-Wah

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, My Name Ain't Suzie examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Angie Chen 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 1985, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of My Name Ain't Suzie took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 239 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 985 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1985, when this film was released:
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While My Name Ain't Suzie shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Sleepless in Seattle, which focuses more on action than character development, My Name Ain't Suzie subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Yoghurt and Lost in Translation explore similar territory, My Name Ain't Suzie stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 24, 1985
  • Runtime: 1h 36m