The Wedding Banquet Is Rom-Com Whiplash in the Best Sense

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Andrew Ahn, director of “The Wedding Banquet” remake, explained at its Sundance Film Festival premiere why he chose this particular movie to adapt. Originally, it told the story of a Taiwanese immigrant landlord marrying his mainland Chinese tenant for a green card while hiding his gay boyfriend from his parents. However, the original film, written by James Schamus and directed by Ang Lee in 1993, may seem dated to modern audiences due to its portrayal of a time when LGBTQ+ rights were not as advanced as they are today. Yet, it remains captivating and artistically impressive, serving as a reminder of the significant progress made in recent decades, and how such advancements can be threatened by those consumed with cynicism and hate.

Ahn cleverly revamps “The Wedding Banquet” for modern sensibilities by centering the story around a tight-knit circle of friends who act as a substitute family for character Angela Chen (Kelly Marie Tran). This group includes Lee (Lily Gladstone), who yearns to have a baby with her girlfriend, and Chris (Bowen Yang), who is unsure about his life path or his relationship with his artist boyfriend Min (Han Gi-chan). It’s important to note that Angela has a close relationship with her real family as well; May (Joan Chen) is an ardent supporter of the Seattle LGBTQ+ community, often hosting events and receiving accolades for her advocacy. This new take on the traditional overbearing immigrant-parent character offers a fresh perspective. In the film’s initial scene, which takes place at a glamorous awards ceremony, May proposes that Angela seek makeup advice from a stage performer who happens to be a drag artist. Later, she inadvertently embarrasses Angela by openly discussing her attempts to conceive with Lee. Even this seemingly progressive and forward-thinking mother retains the uncanny knack for mortifying her child.

The comedic plot thickens when Min, who owns a large corporation in Korea through his family, learns from his strict grandmother (played brilliantly by Youn Yuh-jung) that he must now manage one of their newly acquired companies or face the consequence of returning to Korea. Uninterested in the family business, Min attempts to solidify his relationship with his boyfriend and secure a green card by proposing to Chris. However, commitment-phobic Chris refuses the proposal, leading Min to propose to Angela as well. Despite her hesitation, Angela accepts due to the financial compensation for one final round of IVF treatments for Lee. But when Min’s grandmother unexpectedly arrives in Seattle to supervise, their casual, risk-free sham marriage plan takes an entirely different turn.

The movie’s storyline may not be original or believable, but it’s filled with humor that effectively distracts from its predictable and convenient aspects. Director Ahn seems to acknowledge this by keeping the pace quick and the jokes plentiful, preventing us from scrutinizing the film’s weak narrative structure. Despite foreseeing most of the events in The Wedding Banquet, including all plot twists and complications, we don’t mind because the humor is lively and friendly.

Amidst all the lightheartedness, there’s a distinctly different emotional pitch in the movie: its prolonged instances of sincerity. Unlike many mainstream comedies where heartfelt moments feel insincere or contrived, this film manages to steer clear of that Hollywood cliché. When the characters share their feelings, these moments are genuine and moving. Ahn, known for creating sensitive and understated dramas such as “Spa Night” and “Driveways”, has managed to infuse even the quick-paced, vibrant antics of “The Wedding Banquet” with a sense of emotional truth. The veteran actresses Chen and Youn stand out in this film, skillfully navigating and challenging the stereotypes associated with their characters.

In essence, can diverse aspects harmoniously blend? To a large extent, yes. Gravity might shift between heavy drama and slapstick humor, leaving viewers in a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride. However, this rollercoaster ride is enjoyable rather than jarring. With _The Wedding Banquet_, set to open on April 18 in theaters, we find ourselves dealing with a chaotic movie, yet one that proves entertaining. While it may not be flawless, who’d complain when they’re enjoying themselves?

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2025-01-31 03:54