It’s Wednesday, and all of the kids of New York City are in school–except for Queenie (Milanka Winata). She spends the day finding ways to make money. She hustles, steals, and grinds–and she is determined to come home with a profit at the end of the day. Closing Dynasty sees Queenie navigating the busy streets of New York–but why, we aren’t quite sure yet.
There are three clear acts to Closing Dynasty. It’s not like other films where the acts sort of blend together and it can sometimes be difficult for viewers to see the transition–this film makes sure that viewers see the shift, that they understand all of what’s happening in every given moment.
Act I:
Here we are introduced to Queenie, a tenacious young lady who seems to have the wherewithal and drive to achieve whatever she sets her mind to. Writer-Director Lloyd Lee Choi uses the first act of Closing Dynasty to introduce the world to Queenie, to allow viewers to understand what she’s all about. More importantly, he forces viewers to fall in love with her at this time. She’s fun, funny, and relatable. Choi leans so heavily into this aspect of her character that it seems impossible that anyone wouldn’t fall in love with her. However, this is just act one, this is just the first step in her journey–and while we are introduced to her tiny, squeaky voice, her charming personality, and her ability to interact in ways that are far beyond her years–we know that there is more on the horizon for her.
Act II:
This is a different Queenie, and this feels like a different film. When we see her now she uses foul language, she tries to get over on people in inappropriate (and sometimes illegal) ways, and she’s much more aggressive. Closing Dynasty becomes something entirely different at this point–almost like it is, in fact, an entirely different film. The cinematography consists of close ups when she’s being aggressive and longer shots when we are meant to feel a disconnect. This is successful–as there becomes a massive disconnect between Queenie and viewers in this part of the film, and the juxtaposition that Choi creates here in Closing Dynasty is brilliant. We are meant to question her motives, we are meant to question her humanity (even if she is only seven years old), and not a second passes where Choi’s vision doesn’t come to life here.
The second act of Closing Dynasty runs the risk of allowing viewers to drift too far from the film’s main character and from the story. The second act is the longest of the film, as it takes the most time to develop. It’s so important that Choi get this piece of his film right or he runs the risk of losing his audience before its conclusion. He does just enough to keep us around, just enough to keep us from losing hope and effectively giving up on Queenie and the film. This is the most important part of Closing Dynasty–and, once again, Choi delivers.
Act III:
At this point things are winding down, and Choi is tasked with bringing balance back to his film. After the events of the second act Choi has to reel viewers back in, give them a reason to root for Queenie again, and he does just that. Closing Dynasty concludes at Queenie’s family’s Chinese restaurant–and everything that has occurred over the course of the film suddenly makes more sense.
Viewers are now presented a much more intimate setting, one much smaller in size that allows us to understand the severity of Queenie’s situation. Closing Dynasty takes Queenie all over New York City, a city that doesn’t seem like it has limits–but then, in the blink of an eye, everything is pulled in close. Queenie’s life now exists entirely within the walls of this small restaurant, and once again, a shift in setting and tone provides viewers a completely new look at the film’s protagonist.
Just as quickly as we are taken aback by the trajectory of Queenie’s day we are reeled back in, given a new perspective, and shown the importance of that perspective. By the time Closing Dynasty concludes, viewers have effectively been taken on a roller coaster ride of emotion. The narrative jumps back and forth and uses juxtaposition in cinematography and tones to create a dynamic, effectively layering film. There are moments strewn throughout Closing Dynasty in which I question its validity, but that’s intentional–and everything the Choi creates reaches viewers effectively and beautifully.
Written & Directed by Lloyd Lee Choi.
Starring Milinka Winata, Eleven Lee, Allen Chen, Maggie Law, Khadijah Muhammad, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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