No No Girl

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Joshua D. M No No Girl is a genuinely heartfelt family dramedy that delves into an oft-forgotten but important part of American history and its consequences that resonate generations later. It sheds light on things most people wouldn’t even know happened, and it does so with care, dignity, and respect. The film itself doesn’t attempt to judge or persuade, it simply depicts history as it was, injustices and all, and the natural consequences of those events. Beyond the real-life historical roots, it is the story of a family dealing with a recent loss and an unexpected discovery that brings up fascinating questions about their past. The journey leads them to reflect on what they know of their family’s past and those who are no longer with them. It brings up questions of legacy and if its even worth knowing darker secrets that might change how they regard the departed family members and their family legacy. The family is very sympathetic; you feel their loss, you laugh at their humor, and as the events unfold you get caught up in their struggle and the questions of their past. The film is well-cast and everyone delivered solid, distinct performances. I felt that, at times, Joan came off as a little cartoonish; her struggles took a backseat to Sue and her family (and rightly so), but I appreciated the attempts to flesh her out and ensure she had reasons for behaving the way she does. The script was fluid and well-written. People talked like people. No stilted or forced dialogue; it felt like we were just hanging out with Sue and her family, listening to their conversations and getting a look inside their very believable world. The climax of the film is mostly satisfying. I was happy with how things turned out, even if it was just a little underhanded (in a poetic way, though, admittedly). I’d happily recommend this film to anyone who enjoys family dramas or comedies. There’s plenty of levity and a lot to love about Sue and her family. It’s a journey of personal discovery, family legacy, and stern reminder about past injustice, all wrapped up in a highly enjoyable film with a satisfying payoff. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/16/25 Full Review Kolo P A thoughtful and captivating story surrounding second world war Japanese internment and the legacy down through subsequent generations. This was an indie film that certainly kept my attention and leaving me wanting to find out what the 'buried mystery' was, what the letters contained and what action the family would take. It was a well written story, the cinematography was visually pleasing and thoughtfully setup and the pacing done well. I did find the b-story about the rock girl singer a bit different from the main Asian cast plot but perhaps that accentuates the cultural opposites in the story background. Over all this was a satisfying film to watch and generally higher quality than the average indie drama film. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/28/25 Full Review Mark H This drama was a powerful and emotional story that really pulled me in. The main characters showed a lot of depth and authenticity. The plot kept me engaged from beginning to end, with some good laughs in between. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/26/25 Full Review Hassan S “No No Girl” by Paul Goodman is a quietly powerful film that left a lasting impression on me. Told through the eyes of a young Japanese American woman uncovering her family's hidden past, the film offers a nuanced exploration of intergenerational trauma, cultural silence, and the emotional residue of the WWII internment camps. What struck me most was how restrained and intimate the storytelling felt—there’s a deep respect for the characters and their inner lives, especially as they wrestle with what has been lost or buried over time. Instead of leaning on heavy exposition, Goodman uses subtle gestures, long silences, and emotionally charged moments to reveal how historical injustice continues to ripple through generations. I found myself reflecting not just on the legacy of the camps, but on how many families—mine included—hold on to pain they can’t always name. The film doesn’t offer easy closure, and that’s what makes it feel real. It’s a meditative, beautifully composed reminder of how personal and collective memory shape who we are, even when the past remains unspoken. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/18/25 Full Review Kengo J As a Japanese American, “No No Girl” is the movie I needed. It explores generational conflict while telling an authentic story of family. I really appreciated all the different relationships and could see how much deeper these characters were besides what was shown. Beautiful and creative shots especially the very end. Chefs kiss! These are the stories that need to be told and seen! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/15/25 Full Review Paul G I wrote and directed this movie. I can say that this movie was made with the help of an entire community and tells a real story from my childhood as well as characters and feelings that I grew up surrounded by. Thank you to everyone that supported this endeavor and to those that continue to support smaller movies and more representation! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/15/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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