The Wedding Banquet
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Movie Reviews of The Wedding Banquet
Movie Review: What a difference 11 years makes
Summary: 5 Stars
I originally saw this movie in a theater in 1993 and at that time thought it was excellent. I've seen so many movies since then and have developed a liking for low-budget, indie films because the slick Hollywood films are polished beyond real life.
What a pleasure it is to see The Wedding Banquet again after all these years. I have to say it's very different from most new gay themed movies coming out today. First and foremost there is almost no male nudity. I'm sure if current films would try to get away with no male nudity.
For a movie that seems to benefit from lots of money and production values, nothing in the way of the story was lost. This is an excellent film depicting the life of a gay couple in 1993. It's about a culture clash between the growing openness of America vs. the unknown (to me) Asian cultures.
It is both a sweet love story and a dramatic film about a couple dealing with parents. I think in the end all the characters in the film ended up with more than they ever hoped for. There was honesty about being gay. There was help for an immigrant wanting to stay in the US and a gay couple was about to become parents....
Movie Review: Excellent!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished watching this and came away thinking this was one of the best movies of this type I have ever seen!
Without going into the storyline...the film has a lot of subtitles since it is mostly Chinese speaking. But this only gives you an appreciation for the frustration of the lover who knows little chinese, and of his being part of a charade to fool your lovers aging and ill parents [which includes watching him kiss and marry someone else!]
This film brings up all kinds of issues, such as gay acceptance, is lying ever good?, personal responsibility, growing up, abortion, respect, committment....
And the wonderful thing is, it doesn't try to answer any of these. You come away sorta happy, kinda sympathetic for everyone, and rather sad that, in the year 2004, going to these sorts of lengths to hide who you really are is not so uncommon in real life!
Movie Review: Great Film, Even in Repeat Servings!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched this film the other day for the first time in about 10 years and it still touched my heart. As a Chinese growing up in the U.S, I can understand how cross-cultural differences can really take a toll on one's life. Ang Lee did a great job because he is truly one of the few directors out there who I feel puts a lot of real emphasis on character development. The film did a great job of focusing on people's individual expectations, and the means by which people would go in order to live up to those of their parents'.I was lucky enough to talk to Ang Lee at a film discussion last year. I told him that the Wedding Banquet was one of my favorite films of all time, and he seemed appreciative of that, because he felt he took a lot of care in developing the essence of character conflict and tension. This is definitely a movie worth adding to one's collection.
Movie Review: View of Gay Life
Summary: 5 Stars
If you know absolutely nothing about what life is like for a gay person or an illegal immigrant then this is the film to see. This film describes one of the pivotal moments in a gay person's life, when they have to tell their parents that they're gay and face the consequences. I have a gay second cousin and remember the difficulties he faced when he had to admit his situation to them. A gay acquaintance saw this film no fewer than seven times, obviously because it spoke to him.
It's also painful for illegal immigrants, living in the shadows and hoping to be able to change their status. I've known such people and believe me it's no day at the beach.
Despite the heavy themes, the film is amazingly funny, on a par with the Marx Brothers or Bergman's "Smiles of a Summer Night".
Movie Review: Few comedies stand the test of time for me, this one does
Summary: 5 Stars
Sappy romances, topical comedies and gay stereotypes wear thin with me, and usually don't pass the test of time. However, this one more than passes the test of time. Other than the Marx Brothers and Jack Benny's 'To Be Or Not To Be' I haven't laughed out loud in a long, long time. It's great to laugh at one's self, and at situations that can be heavy and emotional. The plot has already been explained well by others. But let me add that if you want a good, hard laugh, if you, as a gay person, could use a good laugh at a sometimes sensitive and difficult subject matter, and if you want to see some intelligent and quality acting and dialogue, buy this one. I've had the video for many years and I'm thrilled to have it on dvd. Excellent quality.