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Check this space all week for reviews and coverage of the 2011 FirstGlance Film Festival.
With a running time just under twenty minutes, Theresa Wu's locally shot Smoke and Mirrors is forced to 
get straight to the point. Within the first ninety seconds, the protagonist, Sarah, (Krystal Yam) has been caught smoking in the bathroom and finds herself knee-deep in a shit storm created by her mother (Vanessa Kai). Throughout the film, the mother/daughter relationship is taunting at best, with Sarah's mom constantly berating her about school, social interactions and the work she does for the family take-out biz. At one point, Sarah's father even steps in and asks the question on everyone's mind, "Why are you always yelling at her?"
The turning point comes when Sarah finds her mother getting friendly with a customer outside the restaurant — something that is normally against the rules. So as far as she's concerned, if her mother doesn't follow the rules then why should she? Sarah becomes incensed, grabs a pack of cigs and climbs into the back of a van with a boy. She immediately rebuffs his advances, but for a brief moment she sees the possibilities that await her. This is the moment the movie goes from just teen drama to something more.
Being a teenager is tough, and breaking the rules generally feels pretty good at least for a moment. The film moves at a quick clip, never leaving time to dwell on any one aspect. Some viewers may spend the entire film wondering what it is that drives this 14-year-old to smoke, but in doing so they'll miss the real point. Don't do that.
CITY PAPER GRADE: B
Sun., Oct. 16, 5 p.m., screens with Sunday Twilight, Take Your Medicine, The Story, Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St. firstglancefilms.com/philadelphia.
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