Gleaming the Cube

Gleaming the Cube

Year: 1989

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Graeme Clifford

ActionDramaMystery

A rebellious skateboarder in California investigates the death of his adopted Vietnamese brother. His search for answers leads him down a dangerous path, uncovering secrets related to the Vietnam War and the circumstances surrounding his brother's life. Driven by a need for justice and fueled by a thirst for vengeance, he confronts a complex web of deception and must navigate a perilous journey to find the truth.

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Timeline & Setting – Gleaming the Cube (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Gleaming the Cube (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Orange County, California, Vietnamese Anti-Communist Relief Fund (VACRF), Westpac Medical Supplies

The movie takes place in the sun-drenched suburbs of Orange County, California, a region known for its vibrant culture and scenic beaches. The Vietnamese Anti-Communist Relief Fund is a pivotal location, dedicated to sending medical supplies to Vietnam, acting as a backdrop for the movie's conflict. Additionally, Westpac Medical Supplies serves as a warehouse intimately tied to the illicit activities at the heart of the story.

🌅 Suburb 🇻🇳 Vietnam

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:22

Main Characters – Gleaming the Cube (1989)

Meet the key characters of Gleaming the Cube (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly is a high school student struggling with direction in life, often finding solace on his skateboard. His character transforms as he faces intense challenges following the death of his brother Vinh. Brian embodies a blend of rebellion and tenacity, showcasing his growth from a carefree youth to a determined seeker of justice.

🧑‍🎓 Student 💪 Determined

Vinh

Vinh is Brian's adopted Vietnamese brother, dedicated and hardworking, striving to support his community through the VACRF. His tragic demise serves as a catalyst for Brian's journey, embodying the theme of sacrifice. Through Vinh, the film explores themes of loyalty and the complexities of immigrant experiences.

🇻🇳 Vietnamese ✊ Loyal

Tina

Tina is Colonel Trac's daughter who becomes a key ally for Brian amidst the turmoil. Her character adds a layer of emotional depth as she grapples with her father's secrets while developing a bond with Brian. Tina represents hope and resilience, showcasing her ability to connect with Brian despite the chaos surrounding them.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Romantic Interest 💕 Supportive

Colonel Trac

Colonel Trac is the head of the VACRF, portrayed as a complex character balancing duty and familial loyalty. His ethical dilemmas and secretive actions reveal a darker side to his character in light of the illegal dealings. Trac's protective instincts for his family drive many plot developments, contrasting with Brian's quest for justice.

👮 Authority ⚖️ Conflicted

Ed Lawndale

Ed Lawndale is the owner of Westpac Medical Supplies, deeply entangled in the illegal operations depicted in the film. His ruthless nature and willingness to resort to violence make him a formidable antagonist. Lawndale’s character represents the corrupting influence of power and greed.

🦹‍♂️ Antagonist 💰 Corrupt

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:22

Major Themes – Gleaming the Cube (1989)

Explore the central themes of Gleaming the Cube (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛹 Skateboarding

Skateboarding serves as a crucial theme in the movie, representing freedom and a sense of community among the characters. Brian's passion for skateboarding contrasts sharply with the serious issues unfolding around him, showcasing his quest for identity amidst chaos. This theme underscores the importance of personal expression and adventure even in dire circumstances.

🔍 Investigation

The theme of investigation is central to the narrative as Brian delves deep into uncovering the truth behind Vinh's death and the criminal operations at VACRF. His relentless pursuit of justice highlights the emotional stakes involved and his deep sense of loyalty to his brother. This theme emphasizes the necessity of seeking the truth, even when the risks are high.

💔 Loss

Loss is a prominent theme, especially exemplified by the tragic death of Vinh, which sets off a chain reaction in the film. Brian's grief not only motivates him to seek justice but also significantly impacts his relationships, especially with Tina. This theme illustrates how personal loss can drive individuals to confront challenges they never imagined facing.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:22

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Amateur sleuth thrillers like Gleaming the Cube

Ordinary people confront dangerous conspiracies far bigger than themselves.If you liked the way Gleaming the Cube pits a rebellious skateboarder against a deadly conspiracy, you'll enjoy these movies. They feature ordinary people turned amateur detectives, driven by personal loss into dangerous investigations that quickly spiral out of control.

urgentparanoiddeterminedclimacticgrittysuspenseful

Narrative Summary

Stories typically begin with a personal catalyst—a murder, a disappearance—that forces an everyday person to become an investigator. The narrative follows their perilous, often clumsy, attempts to uncover the truth, putting them in direct conflict with powerful, shadowy forces they are ill-equipped to handle.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a common narrative structure of an outsider's investigation, a tone of constant paranoia and tension, and the emotional weight of high personal stakes. The pacing is fast, driven by the urgency of the amateur sleuth's race against time.

Bittersweet revenge stories like Gleaming the Cube

Stories where the quest for justice leaves deep emotional scars.Fans of Gleaming the Cube's heavy emotional journey will appreciate these movies. They explore themes of vengeance and justice, but unlike pure action fests, they focus on the profound emotional cost and the bittersweet nature of achieving one's goal.

solemngrittydeterminedemotionalclimacticbittersweet

Narrative Summary

The journey is fueled by a need for retribution, often following a clear arc from loss to confrontation. However, the climax and resolution are not triumphant; they are somber, acknowledging the destruction left in the wake of the protagonist's quest. The ending feels earned but hollow, focusing on the emotional aftermath.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies based on their shared emotional core: a heavy weight derived from a revenge plot that concludes with a bittersweet, rather than purely victorious, ending. The tone is solemn and gritty, with a focus on the personal toll of vengeance.

Unlock the Full Story of Gleaming the Cube

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Gleaming the Cube Summary

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Gleaming the Cube Summary

Gleaming the Cube Timeline

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Gleaming the Cube Timeline

Gleaming the Cube Spoiler-Free Summary

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Gleaming the Cube Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Gleaming the Cube

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