An angry, passionate film from writer-director and leading actor Justin Chon.

Multi-hyphenate Justin Chon has crafted an impressive melodrama, rich in Louisiana atmosphere and with a timely message, but Blue Bayou is marred by its reliance on symbolism and sentiment.

Chon's directing choices are bold and sometimes interesting, but the screenplay - a big old overcooked melodrama that chucks in everything from a motorcycle chase to a terminal cancer subplot - is an almighty mess.

Ultimately Blue Bayou is a tear-jerker, but the audience will be unsure when to shed their tears because there are just too many depressing moments.