‘Forge’ Review: Jing Ai Ng Puts a Fresh Coat of Paint on a Satisfying Crime Caper

by

In the movie “Forge,” director Jing Ai Ng keeps the secret formula for the lacquer used by Raymond (Brandon Soo Hoo) and Coco Zhang (Andie Ju) to make convincing replicas of genuine art hidden. However, it’s not the science behind the process that matters most; instead, it’s their confidence that proves crucial in fooling experts who specialize in these works. Having observed their parents navigate similar challenges in a culture foreign to them for many years, they are well-equipped to pull off this deception.

Despite the thrilling nature of Ng’s initial film being reminiscent of two underdogs outsmarting those with authority, what truly captivates is its exploration of a more intriguing perspective on reality. It remains uncertain when or if Raymond and Coco will be exposed by the authorities, but it’s hard to predict when they may feel they’ve truly become a part of the society they were born into.

Although the phrase “imposter syndrome” isn’t explicitly mentioned, it seems evident that Raymond and Coco have been grappling with feelings of inadequacy for quite some time now. Despite their exceptional talent, comparable to that of their peers, they often question whether their work is truly good enough. Apart from their remarkable knack for recreating classic artworks, the duo shares a strong bond as a team.

Raymond and Coco have been doubting themselves even though they are just as talented as others, feeling that their best isn’t quite good enough. They excel at replicating old paintings, and they work exceptionally well together.

From his youthful ambition to augment the family’s limited resources by embodying an entrepreneurial spirit, Raymond started a business selling fake IDs during high school. Coco, who once pursued art studies but had to abandon them to care for her ailing father, possesses a deep understanding of each artist’s brushstroke. This ability to articulate and recreate those strokes on canvas comes as second nature to her due to her extensive knowledge.

At the start of “Forge”, Raymond and Coco might not appear to be in trouble, but they seem to have hit their lowest point when they meet a shady art dealer (played by T.R. Knight) for their initial sale at a seedy roadside motel. Although the counterfeit artwork could pass inspection, it’s Coco’s acting skills that truly seal the deal as she convincingly portrays the reluctant inheritor of the valuable piece, pretending to find it difficult to part with a family treasure. Successfully executing this con boosts Coco’s confidence and encourages her to pursue more substantial opportunities, leading her to approach a wealthy family who have shown interest in art collection.

Raymond encounters Holden (Edmund Donovan), the relative who manages the collection, in an unexpected situation. Instead of Raymond needing to persuade Holden to buy new paintings, it’s actually Holden who approaches with a proposition. It appears that his event business is struggling, leading to financial difficulties, and the family’s art collection was severely damaged by a hurricane. As a result, he needs to reproduce some pieces from the collection and pass them off as originals to generate revenue.

The dialogue and plot devices in certain scenes might seem a bit forced at times, especially when it comes to the character of Agent Lee, played by Kelly Marie Tran from the FBI art crimes unit, who’s investigating the influx of forgeries in Florida. Some viewers might find it odd that her initial move to solve the case is asking her colleagues about good Chinese restaurants in the city. However, this seemingly trivial action cleverly challenges stereotypes, demonstrating how the writer skillfully addresses complex power dynamics within the storyline.

As Holden’s bond with his siblings deteriorates, it could lead to repercussions for them both. However, Ng subtly emphasizes the significant difference in the stakes between the Zhangs and someone who begins with advantages. This is because the Zhangs have already invested so much of themselves from a disadvantaged position, unlike someone born with a head start, like third base in baseball.

In a similar vein to its characters, “Forge” sometimes appears as if it’s aiming for a grander heist than it can truly deliver, but writer-director Amber Canaan and her team infuse the film with an authentic charm that gives the operation the intensity of an “Ocean’s 11”-style caper without the same financial muscle. The performance by lead actress Ju is particularly noteworthy as she captivates as the morally ambiguous Coco, whose unflappable demeanor would make her a formidable poker player. There seems to be a underlying sadness in the movie as Coco comes to terms with the realization that the art of deception holds more worth than any painting she could create, but it’s inspiring to witness how even after achieving a lacquer that withstands scrutiny, there remains depth and complexity hidden beneath.

Read More

2025-03-09 22:47