I Hate Big Phony (2019)

I Hate Big Phony Poster

For all intents and purposes, 2015 was seemingly a banner year for singer/songwriter Bobby Choy (aka Big Phony). His melodic and quiet songs had garnered him a following as he performs at SXSW while also starring in his first feature film. However, returning back to the States from living abroad in S. Korea - has he made the right decisions in life, professionally and personally? Is he his own worst enemy?

Overview:
"I Hate Big Phony" is an intimate, engaging 2019 documentary directed by Min Soo Kim and starring Bobby Choy. The film sticks out for its raw and intimate expedition of personal, familial, and cultural identity. Over its runtime, it's a mild and sincere exploration of life, loss, longing, and the fragile art of songwriting.

Plot and Story:
"I Hate Big Phony" is essentially a film about Bobby Choy himself, a Korean-American singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, who crafts his tunes under the name 'Big Phony'. Choy gets an invite to carry out in Seoul, and he sees this as an opportunity to reconnect with his roots. However, the musical journey back to his homeland isn't quite what he 'd imagined. His struggle to adjust accented with the language barrier and cultural difference showcases Choy's life in the most authentic method possible. Film likewise extremely record his roadway to self-discovery during his stay in Seoul.

Styles:
The styles at work in "I Hate Big Phony" mostly center around cultural identity, solitude, imagination, and the understanding of oneself. Contemporary Korean America, the East vs West culture clash and a sense of dislocation and alienation are effectively illustrated. It represents the loneliness one might feel even in the midst of a busy city, or surrounded by people. Moreover, it's a testament to the power of music and how it goes beyond language and broad nationwide borders.

Cast and Performances:
The documentary mostly concentrates on Bobby Choy as the lead character. Although it does feature a couple of other artists such as No Brain and Galaxy Express, Choy's music and character are the star of the story. His performance is both captivatingly real and relatably human, making viewers feel a deep connection to his journey.

Visuals and Music:
The visuals of "I Hate Big Phony" are wonderfully authentic, providing both Seoul and LA in a special light. The cinematography makes love and moving, supporting the reflective and sincere tone of the narrative. Choy's music provides a dynamic foundation to the movie, resonating with the core themes. His tunes brighten the screen, adding a layer of depth to the unfolding story.

Reception:
The film was warmly gotten by audiences who appreciated its rawness and authenticity. Critics kept in mind the sincerity and sensitivity with which it checked out themes of self-identity, displacement, and the artist's battle. It also acquired recognition for the insight it provided into the Korean indie music scene.

Conclusion:
"I Hate Big Phony" is a heartfelt documentary about true identity, self-expression, isolation, and the power of music. It's a much deeper understanding of Bobby Choy and a testament to his musical journey. With its skillful storytelling, superb music, and bold expedition of major themes, the motion picture ends up being an engaging portrait of a Korean-American artist searching for his cultural roots. It's a poignant story that talks as much about his individual journey as the broader issues surrounding it.

Top Cast

  • Bobby Choy
  • Peter Jae
  • Hoon Lee (small)
    Hoon Lee
  • Milton Liu
  • Danny Cho
  • Daniel Park (small)
    Daniel Park
  • Sunn Wee
  • Ken Jeong (small)
    Ken Jeong
  • Aaron Yoo (small)
    Aaron Yoo
  • Natasha Bang
  • Ji-Yun Chen