'Tangerine' - Review

Director: Sean S. Baker
Cast: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, Karren Karaguilan, Mickey O'Hagan, James Ransone.

Tangerine hasn't been given a wide release in cinemas, so chances of finding it in your local cinema are slim. However, I urge you to try and watch it in any way you can as it is simply a joy to behold.

The film's opening line "Merry Christmas Eve, bitch!" perfectly encapsulates the tone and humour for the rest of the picture, as Sin - Dee Rella, a transgender prostitute recently released from prison, is informed by her best friend Alexandra that her pimp boyfriend has cheated on her. Sin - Dee then proceeds to strut around the streets of L.A in search of answers whilst Alexandra attempts to attract a crowd to her showcase.

The charm and likability of Tangerine can largely be attributed to the performance of the cast. Consisting of relative resulted in the absence of preconceptions; every actor gave an incredible performance and played their roles with realistic and uncontrived humour and surprising emotional notes. Rodriguez is hilarious as the recently released from prison and vengeful Sin - Dee and Taylor is wholly personable and understated as her level-headed best friend. Their partnership on screen feels incredibly authentic and their rapport is dynamic to watch.

It's no secret that Hollywood has a problem embracing diversity, but Tangerine wholeheartedly celebrates it. Director Sean S. Baker takes a completely non-judgmental approach to the narrative surrounding the transgender and sex-worker community and therefore allows the audience to become oblivious to the social conditions of the characters and become engrossed and engaged with them.

The writer/director also captures the city of L.A in a way previously unseen before on screen. The conceptions of L.A being superficial and stylistic are eradicated as the genuine connection between Sin - Dee and Alexandra gives the city some much needed heart. Additionally, the city almost becomes a character in its own right as it facilitates the legitimate characters behaviour and allows them to be whoever they want to be.

Overall, Tangerine is a film filled with electric energy and originality. The fact that the film was shot entirely on an iPhone was an inspired choice and says to aspiring filmmakers everywhere that a strong vision and desire to tell stories is all they need.