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Bad Axe

Play trailer 2:30 Poster for Bad Axe Released Nov 18, 2022 1h 42m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 49 Reviews 99% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
A real-time portrait of 2020 unfolds as an Asian-American family in Trump's rural America fights to keep their restaurant and American dream alive in the face of a pandemic, Neo-Nazis, and generational scars from the Cambodian Killing Fields.
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Bad Axe

Bad Axe

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Critics Consensus

Making discomfiting statements about American political willpower and race relations, Bad Axe offers a close-up perspective on societal turmoil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Critics Reviews

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Richard Whittaker Austin Chronicle This is a family story – of a time, a place, an event, a community – in all its rich and quiet nuance, with all the members, related by blood or by affection, given their space. Rated: 3.5/5 Dec 15, 2022 Full Review Claudia Puig FilmWeek (LAist) A stirring tribute to strong family ties and triumphing over adversity. Nov 30, 2022 Full Review Randy Myers San Jose Mercury News “Bad Axe” comes out the most organic, showing not telling about this family of immigrants and their bonds to get through the toughest times. Rated: 4/4 Nov 22, 2022 Full Review Calvin Law The Asian Cut By following the Siev family through the troubled lockdowns, 'Bad Axe' utilizes the power of observation in watching them work tirelessly for their community. Rated: 4/5 Aug 2, 2025 Full Review Carla Hay Culture Mix Bad Axe is more than just a documentary about a family-owned restaurant trying to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's also an emotionally stirring and heartfelt story about immigration, dealing with bigotry, and the significance of family legacies. Apr 1, 2023 Full Review Jared Mobarak Hey, Have You Seen ...? [It] proves an unforgettable indictment on the US political machine fanning flames of hate and a personal, inspirational story of fighting back—with words, actions, and a refusal to let anyone pretend the Sievs don't deserve to call this flawed town home. Rated: 8/10 Jan 27, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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dave d A documentary feature from first-time filmmaker David Siev who puts on screen a love letter to his family that punched me in the gut in the final 15 minutes. Siev is the son to parents who own a restaurant, Rachel's, which is one of two centerpieces of the film. The other, Bad Axe, Michigan will be a town you most certainly will remember thanks to Siev. There are times when the drama seems a touch created, but others where it's all too real. What was it like for Asian Americans to live under Trump? Kudos to Siev who actually managed to make Kamala Harris sound good. This guy is magic! This doc will draw you in with the character and charm of its subject matter. Final Score: 8.8/10 Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/29/24 Full Review Wc W A story about 100% red blooded American hicks who are very much a part of the problem. They don't like guns and combat gear but shoot military style rifles in their yard and sleep with their shotgun. And they mistakenly believe it is the American Dream. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 12/06/23 Full Review Wally A Fantastic doc! Wow! Still blown away after seeing it. If I'm ever in this town, I know where I'm eating for dinner. 😊💪 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/16/23 Full Review Josh D Beautiful documentary about a struggling restaurant family. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/20/23 Full Review Chris P Touching and well-paced pandemic story. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/26/23 Full Review Tom H Amazing, touching raw film about a real family in crisis and how they deal with living in a town in conflict. Watch this film! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/21/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Bad Axe

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Cast & Crew

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David Siev

Director

Jude Hope Harris

Producer

Diane Moy Quon

Producer

David Siev

Producer

Katarina Vasquez

Producer

Dawn Bonder

Executive Producer

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Bad Axe

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Bad Axe

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Movie Info

Synopsis A real-time portrait of 2020 unfolds as an Asian-American family in Trump's rural America fights to keep their restaurant and American dream alive in the face of a pandemic, Neo-Nazis, and generational scars from the Cambodian Killing Fields.
Director
David Siev
Producer
Jude Hope Harris, Diane Moy Quon, David Siev, Katarina Vasquez
Distributor
IFC Films
Production Co
The deNovo Initiative
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 18, 2022, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 18, 2022
Box Office (Gross USA)
$20.0K
Runtime
1h 42m
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