Echo 8

'ECHO 8' is quite an achievement in Australian independent filmmaking. In recent years the Australian film/tv industry has become increasingly focused on Dramas and Crime Stories. It's nice to see a film that steps out of the zeitgeist to challenge that. Despite a low budget, It's clear that a lot of passion was put into this film, everyone was committed to make the best film possible, and they did!

The directing duo and stars of 'ECHO 8' Maria Tran and Takashi Hara have created a tightly wound and well directed Martial Arts/Action film with hints of Psychological and Sci Fi themes.

Good stuff.

Probably one of the worst movies ever made.

I'm not sure how or why the level of martial arts or acting is thought to be acceptable for a movie here, it's not. A degrading and genre scarring movie... please Just Don't!!

Most action actors have a certain level of talent in the action area, and generally when a good actor engages in action they are forgiven for the lack of physical ability because their dramatic skills are of a high level.

But here unfortunately, the acting is stilted with memorized lines, predetermined deliveries and face pulling antics hijacking characters that are attempted to be portrayed by very poor untrained actors who also suffer from unathletic poorly skilled martial arts choreographry and execution.

In the crowded landscape of low-budget cinema, Echo 8 emerges as a standout achievement, captivating audiences with its explosive action and heartfelt storytelling. With a budget of just $8,000 AUD, this Vietnamese-Australian film defies its financial constraints to deliver a powerful narrative that resonates on multiple levels.

The film's central plot revolves around an assassin trapped between a nightmarish dreamscape and the gritty reality of her covert operations. Her latest assignment-to eliminate a grieving mother-takes an unexpected turn when she uncovers the shocking proximity of her target. This twist not only fuels the suspense but also provides a profound exploration of personal and familial conflict.

What truly elevates Echo 8 is its dynamic action sequences. For a film with such a modest budget, the explosive scenes are nothing short of remarkable. The choreography is tight and exhilarating, clearly a result of meticulous planning and innovative execution. The sheer intensity of these moments draws viewers in, proving that high-octane action doesn't always require a blockbuster budget.

The film's casting is another notable strength. Featuring a predominantly Vietnamese cast, Echo 8 offers an authentic representation that allows Vietnamese Australians to see themselves reflected in a story of resilience and conflict. This cultural authenticity not only grounds the film in a rich, relatable context but also enhances its emotional impact. The nuances of Vietnamese family dynamics are explored with a sensitivity that resonates deeply, portraying both the strength and fragility of familial bonds.

However, while Echo 8 excels in many areas, there is room for growth. A more profound investment in character development could further enrich the viewing experience. The main character's journey is compelling, but a deeper exploration of her motivations and backstory would allow audiences to forge a stronger connection with her plight. Enhanced character depth could transform a gripping narrative into an unforgettable one.

In conclusion, Echo 8 is a triumph of resourcefulness and creativity. It demonstrates that a low budget does not preclude high-quality action or meaningful storytelling. With its thrilling sequences, culturally resonant casting, and exploration of familial themes, it stands out as a powerful film. With a bit more focus on character development, this film could easily become a modern classic in its genre. For now, it's an impressive achievement and a testament to the talent behind and in front of the camera. Excited for the next instalment in the trilogy!

When I stumbled upon this 2024 movie, I initially thought it was a sci-fi movie, given the movie's cover. And since I had never heard about the movie, I didn't know what I was in for. Of course I had to check it out and opted to give the movie a fair chance.

I must say, though, that I'm usually a bit hesitant about movies that are directed by people also starring in the movie. And such was the case with "Echo 8", as it was directed and starring both Takashi Hara and Maria Tran.

The storyline in the movie was pretty straightforward. Sure, it was watchable, but it was a bit too much on the simplistic side, and that made "Echo 8" feel a bit subpar. And the sluggish narrative didn't really do much to put the audience at the edge of their seats. Writer Elizabeth H. Vu didn't exactly put together the most riveting and thrilling of storylines.

Actually I wasn't familiar wit a single actor or actress on the cast list. And the acting performances in the movie were, for the most parts, fair enough. But there were moments and performances that felt forced and unnatural.

There is a fair amount of action in the movie to help make it more bearable to sit through the 95 minutes that the movie ran for. It was a watchable movie, albeit a bit on the bland side.

My rating of "Echo 8" lands on a four out of ten stars.

Overall, the team behind Echo 8 has done exceptionally well considering the limited budget. It's a commendable effort and a solid foundation if the plan is to build a trilogy-but there are some key areas that need improvement moving forward.

The martial arts choreography is already quite good, but for the sequels to really stand out, it needs to elevate from good to great.

The script and storytelling, however, fall short. The pacing is slow, the dialogue occasionally cringeworthy and awkward. The film would benefit from dropping the cheesy one-liners and focusing more on grounded drama and intense action. Characters need to evoke genuine emotion-both from themselves and from the audience.

In terms of performances, most of the cast struggles, but Maria Tran delivers the strongest performance. The actress playing the mother also holds her own, and Mike Leeder brings a photogenic and compelling presence to the screen.

Visually, the poster leans too far into a sci-fi aesthetic-it would be better reimagined in the style of a gritty martial arts action film.

The cinematography is one of the weaker elements, feeling more like a student film or backyard project with an amateur color grade to match. For future installments, bringing in a professional cinematographer could make a huge difference.

That said, this is still a remarkable achievement for indie filmmakers out of Western Sydney, and a milestone for the Asian-Australian creative community.

Hey Screen Australia-maybe it's time to invest in this team instead of continuing to fund content that fails to find an audience. This is the kind of work people want to see.

Maria Tran is absolutely one to watch, and it's exciting to imagine what she could create with proper backing and real investment.