Blue Bayou

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 17, 2021

Genre
Drama

Cast & Crew

• Justin Chon as Antonio LeBlanc
• Alicia Vikander as Kathy LeBlanc
• Mark O’Brien as Ace
• Linh Dan Pham as Parker Nguyen
• Sydney Kowalske as Jessie
• Emory Cohen as Denny
• Vondie Curtis-Hall as Barry Boucher

Director
Justin Chon

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Gook (2017)
• Ms. Purple (2019)

Producer

• Charles D. King
• Kim Roth
• Poppy Hanks
• Justin Chon

Writer

• Justin Chon

Budget
$3 million

Production Company

• MACRO
• Entertainment One
• Focus Features

Running Time
117 minutes

Languages
English, Vietnamese

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Emotional distress
• Themes of immigration and family separation
• Violence

Movie Story
“Blue Bayou” is an emotional and powerful drama that tells the story of Antonio LeBlanc (Justin Chon), a Korean-American man who was adopted by a white family in Louisiana when he was a child. Antonio struggles to make ends meet while trying to support his pregnant wife, Kathy (Alicia Vikander), and his stepdaughter, Jessie (Sydney Kowalske). Despite his efforts to build a life for his family, Antonio’s past and his status as an undocumented immigrant cast a dark shadow over his future.

The story intensifies when Antonio is unexpectedly arrested and faces the threat of deportation, despite having lived in the United States since he was a child. As Antonio navigates the complexities of the American immigration system, the film delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the often harsh realities faced by immigrants in the U.S. The narrative is deeply personal, reflecting the real-life struggles of many individuals caught in similar situations.

Kathy stands by Antonio as they fight to keep their family together, but the pressures and prejudices they face take a toll on their relationship. The film’s portrayal of the immigration system is both poignant and critical, highlighting the emotional and legal battles that many undocumented individuals face.

With beautiful cinematography that captures the essence of Louisiana and raw, heartfelt performances, particularly by Chon and Vikander, “Blue Bayou” is a story of love, resilience, and the search for a place to call home in a world that often feels unforgiving.

Special Effects
“Blue Bayou” is a character-driven film that relies on its storytelling and performances rather than special effects. The film’s visual style is naturalistic, with the Louisiana setting playing a significant role in establishing the tone and atmosphere. The cinematography enhances the emotional depth of the story, using lighting and composition to emphasize the characters’ inner struggles.

Box Office Performance
“Blue Bayou” had a limited theatrical release, earning around $1 million at the box office. Despite its modest financial performance, the film was praised for its timely subject matter and the strong performances of its cast. It gained additional attention through streaming platforms, where its themes resonated with a wider audience.

Filming Locations

• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I’m just as American as you.” – Antonio LeBlanc
• “We’re not going to let them take you away from us.” – Kathy LeBlanc
• “How can you deport someone who’s been here their entire life?” – Antonio LeBlanc

Behind-the-Scenes
“Blue Bayou” was inspired by real stories of adoptees who have faced deportation due to gaps in the U.S. immigration system. Justin Chon, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film, aimed to shed light on this underreported issue. The film was shot on location in Louisiana, capturing the unique culture and atmosphere of the region, which plays a significant role in the film’s narrative.

Awards

• Nominated for Un Certain Regard Award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival
• Nominated for Best Actor (Justin Chon) at the 2021 Gotham Awards

Final Verdict
“Blue Bayou” is a deeply affecting film that tackles the harsh realities of the American immigration system with empathy and authenticity. Justin Chon delivers a powerful performance, backed by a compelling script that sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of adoptees facing deportation. The film’s emotional depth, combined with its timely and relevant themes, makes it a must-watch for those interested in stories that explore the complexities of identity, family, and belonging.

IMDb Rating
7.1/10