Ethan Mao.

* Written and directed by Quentin Lee * Starring Jun Hee Lee, Raymond Ma * Margin/TLA

You've got to love the idea of a revenge fantasy about a kicked-out gay teen--with a love story on the side. The title character of Ethan Mao is a suburban California boy rejected by his traditional Chinese father; he winds up turning tricks and living with a cute Latino hustler-slash-drug dealer in what looks like a squat. But out filmmaker Quentin Lee [see page 182] soon turns the tragic teen stereotype on its head when Ethan and Remigio accidentally take Ethan's family hostage (don't ask) and Ethan gets to vent his anger for years of mistreatment.

The film's near-zero budget is apparent in its limited locations and high-def videography, so viewers who dismiss such films out of hand should take a pass. But denizens of gay film festivals who can set their expectations to "guerrilla indie" will find much to enjoy. Lee's dialogue and characters are sharp, as are his casting choices. Jerry Hernandez, as Remigio, is especially endearing and heats up the boys' unrequited love story. As Ethan, Jun Hee Lee is, as his early voice-over says, "just the right type" (with one eye to marketing, director Lee keeps actor Lee shirtless as much as possible); he's at his best when Ethan's threatened or furious. Best of all, veteran character actor Raymond Ma (Old School, Starsky & Hutch) brings real gravity to the role of Ethan's dad.

Ethan Mao is a satisfying step forward from Lee's previous feature, Drift, and he has developed a remarkable assuredness as a director and editor. The film's narrative glitches--the disappearing voice-over; the failure to connect Ethan's street life with the rest of the film; the weak excuse for the hostage-taking--are nothing that a stint at the Sundance Institute or a good dramaturge couldn't fix. Such luxuries take time and financial backing, however. With this as his calling card, let's hope Lee can get someone to bankroll his next feature more generously. He's earned it.

Paging Christine Vachon!