Sing J. Lee’s journey to directing a film about the Vietnamese American experience is, to say the least, unconventional. Raised in Wrexham, North Wales, by parents who ran a Chinese takeaway, his childhood was a world away from the vibrant streets of Little Saigon in Orange County, California, where his latest film unfolds. Yet, The Accidental Getaway Driver, which won him the Directing Award at Sundance in 2023 and sees a limited theatrical release this week, is being hailed for its sensitive and genuine portrayal of a community rarely seen on screen.
The film centers on Long Ma, an elderly Vietnamese cab driver who finds his quiet life disrupted when he picks up three escaped convicts. Starring Hiệp Trần Nghĩa as Long and Dustin Nguyen as one of the convicts, Tây, the film explores unexpected connections and shared experiences against the backdrop of a crime thriller.
“Honestly, I’m not entirely sure myself how it happened!” Lee laughs, reflecting on his unusual path to directing such a film. He describes a childhood spent seeking connection and finding solace in stories – those told by his parents, passed down through generations, and those he discovered in books and films. This early fascination with the power of shared experiences, coupled with a desire for self-expression, led him first to music and then to filmmaking.
But how did this British-born Chinese director end up capturing the heart of the Vietnamese American community? “I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively for work, immersing myself in different cultures,” Lee explains. “Having grown up feeling somewhat ‘rootless,’ I developed a deep curiosity about identity and migration.”
This curiosity led him to Little Saigon years before The Accidental Getaway Driver was even a concept. “I met elderly Vietnamese-American men who played Chinese chess outside a café,” he recalls. “They shared their stories with me, and I found their experiences connected with my own.” These encounters sparked a fascination with how communities recreate themselves in new environments, how cultures adapt and thrive in unfamiliar landscapes.
Lee recognized the universality of these experiences. “I’m always interested in how new identities are forged in new spaces,” he says. “Little Saigon, for example, was shaped by the first and second waves of Vietnamese refugees after the war. The way culture adapts and flourishes in new environments is something I’ve always thought about.” Through observation, conversation, and genuine connection, he began to understand the community’s unique spirit, recognizing the shared human experiences that transcended cultural boundaries.
This understanding became the foundation of The Accidental Getaway Driver. Lee’s approach was collaborative, involving the community at every level of the production. “We worked with store owners, local families, and Vietnamese creatives, both in front of and behind the camera,” he explains. “In a way, the film itself became its own small community—a reflection of the enclave it portrays. Because the story is so deeply human, it feels truthful.”
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One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of the Vietnamese language. “There was such a fluidity to the translation process,” Lee notes, describing the meticulous work of ensuring every line resonated with the nuances of each character’s background and generation. This attention to detail, along with the casting of actors like Dustin Nguyen, a Vietnamese American actor who has helped break barriers in Hollywood, contributes to the film’s realistic portrayal.
The Accidental Getaway Driver is a moving exploration of human connection and cultural identity. Lee’s direction and the strong performances create a moving experience that resonates with audiences. The film delves into the complexities of intergenerational relationships, the lingering effects of trauma, and the challenges of finding belonging. It’s a reminder of the power of empathy and understanding, reminding us that even in the most unexpected circumstances, human connection can flourish.
Lee’s film is not simply a story about the Vietnamese American experience; it’s a story about shared human experiences. It’s about finding connection in unexpected places, about understanding the struggles and resilience of a community and recognizing the universality of themes like migration, family, and the search for belonging. In Lee’s own words, “When we allow ourselves to see pieces of our own experiences in different communities, we break down the artificial barriers that separate us. That’s what it’s all about—finding those connections.”
And in a world that often feels increasingly divided, those connections are more vital than ever.
The Accidental Getaway Driver is not your typical crime thriller. It’s a quiet film, with moments of tension punctuated by unexpected humour and warmth. The performances are understated but powerful, particularly Hiệp Trần Nghĩa’s portrayal of Long Ma, a man carrying the weight of a lifetime of displacement and loss. Lee’s direction is assured, creating a film that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
The Accidental Getaway Driver is across the US from 7 March.
