I’ve lost track of the number of times I've read movie reviews that use fancy words like “understated” and “nuanced” when what they really mean is “unfocused” and “meandering.” Those terms, even if negative, would be more accurate descriptions for this first feature from writer-director Constance Tsang, a slow, dull film that tries to be something it simply isn’t. When Didi (Haipeng Xu), a Taiwanese immigrant working at a massage parlor in Flushing, Queens, experiences a tragedy during Lunar New Year, two of her closest friends—also immigrants—unexpectedly find themselves connecting while dealing with their sorrow. Amy (Ke-Xi Wu), Didi’s friend and coworker, and Cheung (Kang-sheng Lee), who was developing a romantic connection with Didi, are both heartbroken but seek solace in each other's company. But what does this sudden closeness signify, and where will it lead? Will they offer comfort to one another, or is there potential for romance between them? The situation becomes more complex because Cheung is stuck in an unhappy marriage with a difficult wife back in Taiwan, which was part of the reason he immigrated to the US and doesn’t want to return. Besides coping with their loss, Amy and Cheung also search for meaning in their lives while confronting the loneliness that comes from being outsiders, feelings that initially drew them to Didi and her circle. On paper, this might sound like a promising exploration of characters, but unfortunately, this “understated” and “nuanced” film more accurately fits those earlier, less flattering descriptions. The core issue is a very weak story; the screenplay can’t effectively bring the narrative to life. The movie drags from one unconnected scene to another, creating a disjointed story filled with unnecessary details, excessively long scenes that need trimming, and awkward silences that don't add anything of value. Because of this, I honestly can't understand how this film received three Cannes Film Festival acknowledgements (including one award), as well as four Independent Spirit Award nominations—none of which, in my opinion, were justified. If the story and script had been stronger, “Blue Sun Palace” could have potentially been a touching drama and an insightful look at grief. However, as it is now, this film seems to be searching for something meaningful to express and a compelling way to do so.

Source on TMDB