Akira's Hip Hop Shop

This was a great movie! I stumbled across it by accident and it's so different from anything I've seen. I was recently reading a book about the way in which Asian men are portrayed in mainstream Hollywood movies; you know, the typical stereotypes and one-dimensional-ality of their characters. Sadly, these stereotypes affect the general public that views such movies and these myths about Asian men being asexual or martial artists are taken as reality by many. Before seeing this movie, I couldn't think of a single movie where the Asian man played in a leading romantic role. The only other movie I could think of where an Asian man was paired with a Black woman in a sort of romantic way was "Romeo Must Die," (Aaliyah and Jet Li) but that's it. We definitely need more movies that show diverse interracial relationships. The director chose great actors for the roles. It was romantic and the comedy fell in just the right places. James Kysun Lee did a great job (I think he's so fine btw!) and his chemistry with Emayatzy was wonderful! I read the director wants to make this into a feature film, which I think would be soooo awesome. Hopefully, those in Hollywood won't shy away from this film. We need more diverse characters instead of movies that continue to uphold the status quo and stereotypes.

Although it was short in length, this movie still told a good story. The characters were engaging and the lead actors had good chemistry. It would have been nice to see what happened with their relationship but I thought they did a good job of showing some of the biases people in interracial relationships face. Overall, I thought this movie was well done.

I thought this was a really cute movie, toughing on interracial dating, cultural differences, generational values and perspectives...like other reviews, the movie could have benefited from being a little longer. It makes you wish more movie time should have been invested in the movie.

So very refreshing! I loved this so much! Where to start... First off, how cool is it to see a Korean leading man!!!! Jason act's his behind off too. His leading lady is a great and gorgeous actress. The story was complete and left me hungry for more. Secondly, I love seeing romances from any marginalized ethnic group just because it's so unjustly rare. But a Korean leading man (playing a Japanese man) and an African American leading lady ....WHAT!?!? They had mad chemistry and the love story was about two people feelin' each other and that transcended the IR subplot. I want more please. I almost can't get over the fact that a movie portrayed an Asian man as a sexy, whole man and not the typical crazed evil master mind or martial arts eunuch. Finally, it was plain entertaining. Definitely worth the rent or the purchase.

Was this a movie or a public service announcement about what to expect when you attempt to date outside your race. Actually, it's not even that. it lasted about 30 minutes. Not that I needed it to be longer. More like I could not wait for it to be over. I don't know who wrote the intro comparing this movie to when harry met sally. This movie was not even peanut butter meet jelly. This movie had no depth. Every thing was too convenient. The way they met, how she loved same rap music as Akira, she just happen to be studying Asian cuisine in culinary school and she could speak a little Japanese. So unbelievable. Then, the typical stereotypes that are perpetuated about black women in bed and Asian men having small penises. Ugh!!!!! The audacity of this movie to try to address something as complex as interracial dating. This movie was definitely a poor attempt. If you feel the need to see it, rent it. I definitely would not buy it. Remember, you were warned.

I really liked this short film. Despite it being short it overall was a good one. There aren't enough films that portray Asian men and African American women. I am an African American women dating an Asain man and it was refreshing seeing this film. It shows the many aspects of interracial dating. Especially when people don't noramlly see this. Thanks for making this film. I'd like to see many more like this one.

Good story line, good chemistry between the leading characters, and they really were an attractive & believable couple. This is a very short film and I would have loved it if there were more details before the end, but it was worth the $1.99 on Amazon Instant Video! And believe me, I'm super tough/critical on anything (books or movies) that I have to pay for. :) ENJOY!

It was a cute love story....Short, but entertaining. I love the actors/actresses. I would consider buying the film to add to my independent film collection... I would like to see a similar movie made sometime soon. An updated version