Films about Asian Americans explore the diverse experiences, cultures, and challenges faced by Asian Americans. These narratives delve into themes of identity, family, racism, assimilation, and community, providing insight into the multifaceted lives of Asian Americans. The films listed below traverse a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, and documentary, showcasing the richness and complexity of Asian American stories.
“The Farewell”, 2019
Director: Lulu Wang
This poignant dramedy, based on an actual lie, centers on a Chinese-American woman who returns to China under the pretense of a fake wedding to stealthily say goodbye to her grandmother, who is unaware that she only has a short while left to live. It reflects on the complicated dynamics of diaspora, cultural traditions, and family bonds.
Starring: Awkwafina, Zhou Shuzhen, X Mayo, Lu Hong, Lin Hong, Ma Tzi, Diana Lin, Yang Xuejian, Becca Khalil, Jiang Yongbo;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“Better Luck Tomorrow”, 2002
Director: Justin Lin
Directed by Justin Lin, this crime drama charts the descent into criminality of a group of high school students in Southern California. The film tackles themes of identity, the pressure to succeed, and moral ambiguity, all within the frame of the Asian American suburban experience.
Starring: Parry Shen, Jason J. Tobin, Sung Kang, Roger Fan, John Cho, Karin Anna Cheung, Shirley Anderson, Nanette Matoba, Kenji Matoba, Ashley Arai;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, melodrama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Better Luck Tomorrow” on the website imdb.com
“Minari”, 2020
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
A deeply personal film by director Lee Isaac Chung that captures the trials and triumphs of a Korean American family pursuing their American Dream on a farm in Arkansas in the 1980s. The film beautifully engages with themes of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of happiness.
Starring: Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Yoon Yeo-jeong, Alan Kim, Noel Cho, Darryl Cox, Esther Moon, Ben Hall, Eric Starkey, Will Patton;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
“Searching”, 2018
Director: Aneesh Chaganty
A unique thriller that unfolds entirely on computer screens and smartphones, following a desperate father trying to find his missing 16-year-old daughter, offering a gripping narrative that also touches on the gaps between generations and cultures in a modern Asian American family.
Starring: John Cho, Sara Sohn, Alex Jayne Go, Megan Liu, Kya Dawn Lau, Michelle La, Joseph Lee, Dominic Hoffman, Melissa Disney;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: detective, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Searching” on the website imdb.com
“The Joy Luck Club”, 1993
Director: Wayne Wang
Based on Amy Tan’s novel, this film explores the relationships between Chinese American women and their immigrant mothers. Through a series of flashbacks, it poignantly addresses the generational and cultural divides that shape their identities and relationships.
Starring: Kieu Chinh, Tsai Chin, France Nuyen, Lisa Lu, Ming-Na Wen, Tamlyn Tomita, Lauren Tom, Rosalind Chao, Chao Li Chi, Melanie Chang;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 139 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Joy Luck Club” on the website imdb.com
“Gook”, 2017
Director: Justin Chon
Set during the LA riots in 1992, this black-and-white drama focuses on two Korean American brothers and their unlikely friendship with an 11-year-old African American girl. It’s a raw examination of racial tensions, community, and the meaning of family amidst chaos.
Starring: Simone Baker, Justin Chon, Curtiss Cook Jr., David So, Kirlew «bliss» Vilbon, Chris Jai Alex, Domenique Batiste, Ignacio Bautista, Teaira T. Bryant, Sang Chon, Jeff Corbett, Terence Dickson, César García Gómez, Xzavier Gray, Sharyn Grose, Guy L. Holmes, Isaiah Jarel, Saadiqa Muhammad, David Joe Kim, Gigi Tsui Kim, Raymond Kou, Nathan Kwong, Louie Ledesma, Aida Lembo, Neidra Lemon, Darina Littleton, Andrew Magaines, Travelle McFarland Jr., Trinecia Moore-Pernell, Ben Munoz, Omono Okojie, Natalie Sutherland, Taylor Thomas, Franklin Vanderbilt, Lando Wilkens, Anna Yates;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Gook” on the website imdb.com
These films are but a snapshot of the diverse and vibrant stories within the Asian American community, each offering a unique lens through which to explore complex identities, histories, and experiences.
In conclusion, films about Asian Americans serve as an essential cultural bridge, illuminating the diverse, complex experiences of this vibrant community within the broader American tapestry. Through their narratives, whether they grapple with identity, family dynamics, immigrant experiences, or representation itself, these films challenge stereotypes and expand our understanding of American life. Directors and storytellers, from Wayne Wang and Mira Nair to Lulu Wang and Alan Yang, craft stories that resonate on a universal level while diving deep into the nuanced realities of Asian American lives. As this genre continues to flourish, it promises not only to entertain but to educate, inspire, and foster a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Asian Americans to society. These films are a reminder of the power of cinema to reflect our stories, struggles, and triumphs, serving as a vibrant testament to the diversity that strengthens the fabric of American culture.
