Liquor stores and dry cleaners are some of the most popular businesses primarily owned by Koreans. We’ve all known someone that owned or worked in those two businesses. So how would anybody feel if a Black man opened a liquor store in the heart of Koreatown? Well that’s exactly what happens in Eli’s Liquor Store.

The film deals with the titular character, Eli, a family man from Atlanta with a dream to provide for his lovely family. Ironically enough, his store is located in the heart of Koreatown, which brings in various and interesting people from all walks of life. The camera follows Eli’s work day in an honest and truthful manner as the day unfolds.
   

Running tightly under 20 minutes, Eli’s Liquor Store truly gives a look into a daily “grind” of a hardworking businessman. Eli really is our dads, moms, friends, and even some of us ourselves. As he faces discrimination and hardships, the audience truly gets the low-down of reverse racism amongst minorities. Even though it’s a sensitive issue, it stays true and does not play to disregard or disrespect any race depicted in the film.  The characters around Eli really make this picture shine. The differences that each character depicts in the film give the audiences a true look into the world of human psyche in variety. The film gives audience questions that need discussions and answers.

It’s been heard that the film was under scrutiny amongst Asian American film festivals and frankly I find that to be funny. What the director tried to achieve through honesty and vision were ignored simply because of what they couldn’t see beyond what was on celluloid. However, I hope the readers and viewers can take do the opposite and take a journey into this truthful and honest story.

MPAA Rating: NR language, adult situations. Running Time: 17 Min 45 Seconds.

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