Review: Lucy Liu hits a career high as an unraveling mom in 'Rosemead,' based on a true crime

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The true story behind the family drama “Rosemead” may not be the saddest tale ever brought to the screen.But boy, it’s up there.Inspired by a shattering 2017 Times article by then-staff writer Frank Shyong (and now the first narrative feature film from LA Times Studios), “Rosemead” has long been a passion project for its star, Lucy Liu, also a producer.

It’s not hard to see why.This powerful account of humble, terminally ill Taiwanese American widow Irene Chao (based on real-life Rosemead resident Lai Hang), who takes the fate of her schizophrenic teen son into her own hands, offers the transformational role of a lifetime for Liu.Best known for stylish, commanding turns in the “Charlie’s Angels” and “Kill Bill” movies and in TV series such as “Ally McBeal” and “Elementary,” she’s a revelation here.But the narrative also shines a crucial spotlight on L.A.’s Asian American community and its sometimes insular approach to handling emotional trauma, particularly mental illness.

Shame over the condition’s perceived stigma, language barriers and a general fear of expressing oneself add to this cultural dilemma, one that hasn’t been widely explored on the big screen.Awards In ‘Rosemead,’ based on a 2017 L.A.

Times story, the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ star steps into a role unlike any she’s played before — and is earning raves in the process.Liu is tender and heartbreaking as Irene, who runs the local print shop that her husband (Orion Lee, seen in flashbacks) left behind several years ago.She also helps out in the herbal pharmacy run by childhood best friend Kai-Li (Jennifer Lim).

Given that Irene displays a troubling cough from the start, it’s no surprise where her health is heading.Of more immediate worry to Irene, though, is her only child, Joe (an excellent Lawrence Shou), a high school senior diagnosed with schizophrenia after his be...