User reviews

Co-Directed by the films stars Maria Tran and Takashi Hara from a script written by Elizabeth H. Vu, ECHO 8 follows a secret sect of assassins whom are sent on a mission that raises many questions. In particular from Tran's character.

Echo 8 is an anomaly in Australian film. An Asian-Australian led/directed and produced martial arts film. I'm not sure if any have come before, so this is a welcome addition in Australian cinema.

The independent film has a shoestring budget which is clear, but a strong concept anchored by good performances give the film an enriched quality. It's no blockbuster, but you know blood, sweat and tears went into it, so you can certainly appreciate it.

The film sets out to showcase the talent in the film, which is surely where it succeeds. Maria Tran, whose already been in many action films, is tough as nails and I expect to see her leading more action films in the future.

The film breaks the mould of the usual Australian film. There is no long drone shots of picturesque landscapes. Rather dark alleys and driveways where the action takes place, barring an exciting sequence in a bright nightclub.

ECHO 8 recently dropped on the streaming platform TUBI, I encourage people to get out and support it so that this isn't the only Asian-Australian led martial arts film. We need more.

I love independent action and martial arts films like "Echo 8". Many times the cinema of these genres neglects the script and the characters in favor of the action, but sometimes they have a powerful script, well written and developed and with great characters, as is the case. Maria Tran shows that we can have an action and martial arts movie and not just for the action scenes. The story leaves you wanting to know more about all its characters and visually it has nothing to envy of projects with a bigger budget. Maria Tran exudes a lot of charisma and Takashi Hara is perfect in a character that you are not sure if he is good or bad. And we cannot forget the presence of Mike Leeder as Z12, totally mysterious. More cinema like this.

ECHO 8 is definitely one of those independent action films that merits the attention of its target audience. Filmed extensively during one of the worst moments in this world's history, this film is an exemplary, spirited labor of dauntless DIY creativity and endurance. Maria Tran and Takashi Hara and their team on this project are proof of the potency of Australia's local indie film scene, having built up their momentum for some time now in the shortfilm arena, and through a series of global collaborations with other creatives, and with two more entries in toe for the ECHO 8 trilogy, I'm excited to see what they can cook after this year.

'ECHO 8' is quite an achievement in Australian independent filmmaking. In recent years the Australian film/tv industry has become increasingly focused on Dramas and Crime Stories. It's nice to see a film that steps out of the zeitgeist to challenge that. Despite a low budget, It's clear that a lot of passion was put into this film, everyone was committed to make the best film possible, and they did!

The directing duo and stars of 'ECHO 8' Maria Tran and Takashi Hara have created a tightly wound and well directed Martial Arts/Action film with hints of Psychological and Sci Fi themes.

Good stuff.

Badass indie action film from Western Sydney? Sign me up!! A solid directorial debut from action power couple Maria Tran and Takashi Hara, Echo 8 is a great case study for microbudget and fast-paced filmmaking.

Writer Elizabeth H. Vu finds unique and interesting ways to put more meat on the bones of a typical assassin plot, resulting in strong emotive performances from Maria Tran and Gabrielle Chan, and an interesting dynamic with Agent 5, portrayed by Takashi Hara. David Vuong shines bright with his charisma and likeable character, and Maria Tran proves that she is a star, showcasing her range from scenes where she is a stoic action hero, to lighter and more comedic moments.

This film wears it's humble shoe-string budget on it's sleeve, sometimes in ways that are less than ideal, but the film's smooth pacing and spectacle help distract and keeps the audience captive. It should also be noted this film was shot in a rather short time frame during the COVD-19 pandemic, and what has been achieved should really be commended, particularly towards the film's camera department. Perhaps the film could've benefited from a little more polish, but there is a particularly impressive fight sequence in an car park which really gets the blood pumping - hoping for more action sequences of this caliber from the future instalments ""FIVE BY FIVE" and "ECHO 8 BEYOND".

Ultimately, Echo 8 is yet another strong example of the amazing talent from Western Sydney, and a testament to how collaboration, talent, creativity and elbow grease can result in amazing works of art. Congrats to Maria Tran, Takashi Hara and crew!

Loved this movie! It had all the elements if surprise for me.

Drama, action, humour full of emotions and suspense. Plus twist in plot to make me keep watching.

Great casting and camera work, so much attention to costumes and special effects, lighting and sound. Loved all the characters and their way of delivery. Great to see such a well executed western sydney drama on screen. Cant wait for the next one. The story is so engaging. Watch it now, you will see how well Maria Tran acts in the movie such a sassy assasin. I loved how all the characters developed in the film. I laughed, and cried, i was on the edge of my seat gripping in suspense. The martial arts scenes were so intense and cleverly recreated.

This film has trippy and suspenseful writing (just how I like it!) with great choreography and cinematography... a real delight to watch and a twisting journey that leaves you fulfilled yet wanting more!

The wonderful Takashi Hara is mysterious and intimidating, while the beautiful Maria Tran is deadly yet emotionally complex. A truly remarkable filmmaking team!

Also, there are plenty of beautifully lit shots with thoughtful composition, which is a must for any good project! The directing is successful at putting you right there in the action, as well as handling the more emotional scenes with a softer touch.

Well done and congratulations to the whole team!

The movie's premise is good; a good idea.

The opening is good, the mother's performance is note worthy and believable.

The rest can be better, very caricature-ish acting, in particular the scene at the beginning of the karaoke place, the winy older man with the suitcase on the floor, the commander in the office etc.

A low budget film is evident in the shots and no named actors. With more money and a good cast and story, Echo8 would do better on the world stage. The fighting at the end is good. Again the mother's performance is striking and real. The fighting is good and worth to watch. Cheers mate.

In the crowded landscape of low-budget cinema, Echo 8 emerges as a standout achievement, captivating audiences with its explosive action and heartfelt storytelling. With a budget of just $8,000 AUD, this Vietnamese-Australian film defies its financial constraints to deliver a powerful narrative that resonates on multiple levels.

The film's central plot revolves around an assassin trapped between a nightmarish dreamscape and the gritty reality of her covert operations. Her latest assignment-to eliminate a grieving mother-takes an unexpected turn when she uncovers the shocking proximity of her target. This twist not only fuels the suspense but also provides a profound exploration of personal and familial conflict.

What truly elevates Echo 8 is its dynamic action sequences. For a film with such a modest budget, the explosive scenes are nothing short of remarkable. The choreography is tight and exhilarating, clearly a result of meticulous planning and innovative execution. The sheer intensity of these moments draws viewers in, proving that high-octane action doesn't always require a blockbuster budget.

The film's casting is another notable strength. Featuring a predominantly Vietnamese cast, Echo 8 offers an authentic representation that allows Vietnamese Australians to see themselves reflected in a story of resilience and conflict. This cultural authenticity not only grounds the film in a rich, relatable context but also enhances its emotional impact. The nuances of Vietnamese family dynamics are explored with a sensitivity that resonates deeply, portraying both the strength and fragility of familial bonds.

However, while Echo 8 excels in many areas, there is room for growth. A more profound investment in character development could further enrich the viewing experience. The main character's journey is compelling, but a deeper exploration of her motivations and backstory would allow audiences to forge a stronger connection with her plight. Enhanced character depth could transform a gripping narrative into an unforgettable one.

In conclusion, Echo 8 is a triumph of resourcefulness and creativity. It demonstrates that a low budget does not preclude high-quality action or meaningful storytelling. With its thrilling sequences, culturally resonant casting, and exploration of familial themes, it stands out as a powerful film. With a bit more focus on character development, this film could easily become a modern classic in its genre. For now, it's an impressive achievement and a testament to the talent behind and in front of the camera. Excited for the next instalment in the trilogy!