Closing Dynasty (2023) Review: A Short Film About Childhood and Hope Meta Description:

 

Closing Dynasty | 2023 | 17m
Genre: Drama/Short | Country: US
Director & Writer: Lloyd Lee Choi
Cast: Milinka Winata, Eleven Lee, Allen Chen
IMDb: 6.6
My Rating: 10/10

Queenie, a seven-year-old girl, tries different ways to collect money on the streets of New York City for a purpose that is far more meaningful than anyone expects.

Warning:

Contains strong language.

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Synopsis of Closing Dynasty

Queenie (Milinka Winata) asks people on the subway for donations, claiming that she is collecting money for her school’s basketball team. However, many people question her story because it does not seem convincing. After failing to get enough money, Queenie searches for other ways to achieve her goal.

She does everything she can to earn money. She collects empty cans, sells flowers she secretly takes from a store, and even attempts to take accessories from a house that is being sold.

Although her actions may seem unusual, Queenie does everything for a reason that is meaningful to her. She is trying to preserve her Dynasty.

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Review of Closing Dynasty

Closing Dynasty tells a simple story, but it is presented with strong emotional depth. Considering its short runtime, the development of the story is handled very effectively. At first, viewers may wonder how the title connects with Queenie’s journey. However, everything becomes clear at the end, creating a surprising and meaningful conclusion.

The performances are excellent, especially Milinka Winata as Queenie. Despite her young age, she successfully captures the emotions and motivations of her character. Her expressions and actions allow viewers to understand Queenie’s determination without needing many explanations.

The cinematography, camera movement, and color composition also support the storytelling beautifully. The music selection fits each scene and strengthens the emotions being portrayed.

What makes Closing Dynasty special is how it transforms a simple childhood journey into a deeper reflection about dreams, attachment, and the things people try to protect. The film shows that something meaningful does not always have to be understood by others to hold value.

This short film is highly recommended for viewers who enjoy simple stories with deeper emotional meanings.

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Memorable Scene

Queenie finds a “diamond” and becomes extremely happy, believing that she can become rich by selling it. She dances all the way to the store where she plans to sell it.

This scene beautifully captures the innocent happiness of a child. Through Queenie’s excitement, viewers can see how small things can create enormous joy when seen through a child’s perspective.

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Memorable Dialogue

“Yes, I worked hard today.”

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Ending

Cliffhanger Ending

 
Recommendation

Must Watch

 

(Aluna Uwie)

Had been published in Alunauwie.com
"This article was originally written in Indonesian and has been adapted into English for international readers."