On this episode of the Never Seen It podcast, we delve into the gritty, early-2000s world of Sean Baker and Shih-Ching Tsou's co-directed film, Take Out. We explore its raw, cinema verité style, the palpable immigrant struggle of its main character, Ming, and how this micro-budget movie serves as a blueprint for Baker's acclaimed filmography. Join us as we break down the film's emotional impact, its realistic portrayal of New York City, and the powerful, human stories hidden within a single day of delivering Chinese food.
In this episode, we're cracking open the containers and digging into the 2004 (released 2008) indie gem, Take Out, co-directed by the brilliant Sean Baker and Shih-Ching Tsou. We are the Never Seen It podcast, and we're all about fresh perspectives on films we should have seen by now.
We start by discussing why we chose this film, connecting it to the San Diego Asian Film Festival and the new work from co-director Shi Qing Su. From there, we sink our teeth into the movie's simple yet powerful plot: an undocumented Chinese immigrant, Ming, must pay back a smuggling debt by the end of a single, grueling day working as a deliveryman in New York City.
Our conversation covers the signature Sean Baker filmmaking style—the gritty, guerrilla-style, cinema verité approach that makes you feel the rain-soaked streets and claustrophobic apartments of New York. We talk about how the city itself becomes a character, a relentless force that Ming must battle against.
We delve deep into the film's themes, including:
The immigrant struggle in America and the immense pressure to provide for a family left behind.
The brutal reality of the service industry and the often-unseen hustle of delivery workers.
The powerful social realism that makes the story feel less like fiction and more like a documentary.
The stark contrast between life pre- and post-smartphones, and how technology has changed the nature of this kind of work.
We share our personal connections to the film's themes, from our own experiences in the food service industry to financial hustles that echo Ming's desperate race against the clock. We also highlight the incredible collaboration between Sean Baker and Shi Qing Su, noting her crucial role and continued influence in his later works like Tangerine, The Florida Project, and Red Rocket.
Tune in for our full Letterboxd-style reviews, Arnold's official "Snooze-a-Meter" rating, and a heartfelt discussion on why this micro-budget film remains so impactful and relevant today. This is a must-listen for fans of independent cinema, social realist films, and anyone who wants to understand the roots of Sean Baker's filmography.