A Disappointing Remake: A Review of [Movie Title]
※ Spoiler alert: This review may contain spoilers. ※
This film is a remake of director Ang Lee's 1993 film of the same name. It was invited to the 30th Busan International Film Festival in the World Cinema section and stars Korean actors Youn Yuh-jung and Han Gi-chan. Released exclusively in Lotte Cinema, it tells the story of the Asian LGBTQ community in the United States and Korean traditional wedding customs like Paebaek.
The movie opens at an awards ceremony for the Asian LGBTQ community in Seattle. May (Joan Chen), who receives an award for her contribution to raising awareness of the community, mentions that her daughter Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) has been actively involved in the group since coming out. Angela's partner, Liv (Lily Gladstone), is by her side.
The four join their close friends Chris (Bowen Yang) and Min (Han Gi-chan), who are also a same-sex couple, at a party, and they spend fun and laughter-filled days. Liv, who wants to have a child through in-vitro fertilization, faces another failed attempt. With their finances running low, they consider giving up. However, when Angela suggests that she could carry the child, the atmosphere turns tense.
At the same time, Min, the grandson of a wealthy family, expresses his desire to not participate in management to his grandmother, Jayeong (Youn Yuh-jung). He plans to marry Chris to obtain a green card, but Chris is taken aback by the proposal, feeling it is too much for him. In this situation, Min proposes a sham marriage with Angela to deceive his grandmother and use the funds he receives to try in-vitro fertilization. Jayeong's arrival in the US triggers a sudden fake wedding.
I wanted to see it in the most positive light possible. Despite the excellent performances of Youn Yuh-jung and Lily Gladstone, the effort to showcase Korean wedding preparations and Paebaek traditions, and the natural Korean dialogue, I question why this film was remade. If it aimed to stay true to the original, I wonder why they revived the plot point of Angela and Chris having a one-night stand and Angela becoming pregnant in 2025.
This type of sex comedy feels outdated. It's questionable whether Angela and Chris are even the main characters, as they are portrayed as avoidant and constantly causing trouble for others. The thought of meeting people like them in real life is dreadful. The music is intrusive, and the lazy script, which fails to offer any insight into the queer community despite focusing on LGBTQ themes, is appalling.
The stereotypes and melodramatic tropes associated with American Asian films clearly reflect the Western perspective on East Asia. I didn't want to be so critical, but the movie's highlight is the opposite of my taste, leading me to write this harsh review with a regretful heart.
Conclusion: ★ (1/5)
Already two 1-star and three 1.5-star ratings this year. This project, which disrespects the Asian community in the United States, reminds me of <Joy Ride>. It seems that there is a long way to go. Just like <K-Pop Demon Hunters>, the industry should focus on Korea. I feel frustrated to see this superiority complex which prioritizes the United States and superficially imitates the community. When will this be overcome?
Until now, this has been 영알못 simple이스's movie review. Thank you sincerely if you have read this far.
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