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Rob_Hugo@PortNWI find the topic of making a movie based on Asian lesbians is interesting. I grew up in a fairly conservative Chinese family, which was not very open to homosexuality. I feel like many first and second generation Asian families are the same. As a result, reading this interview was quite interesting and eye opening. I think that as Asian families become more assimilated into American culture (third, fourth, fifth generations), reading articles like this one will not be as shocking.
In response to Lynn's comment regarding Asian stereotypes in movies, I definitely agree. In older American movies (such as 16 Candles) Asians are portrayed as outcasts and almost barbaric--I do think that the fact that movies starring Asian Americans are being produced is a big positive change from the past. Also, I like how this movie does not portray Asians in their stereotypical traditional role of being traditional and "fresh of the boat"--rather the description of the storyline seems that a Caucasian women could have been cast for the roles of the lesbian.
Also, many Asian martial arts actors and actresses as well as directors are being recognized for their talents. While this portrayal does still hint at traditional Asian stereotypes of martial arts in movies, I consider it progress.
AnonymousFor those of you who remember Parry Shen from "Better Luck Tomorrow", I urge you to swing by his xanga blog and surf through his entries. As an Asian-American, he shares his opinions about how difficult it is to break through this acting business and how he'd like to play a "sexy, suave" character one day (instead of the token Asian guy he mostly plays).
http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=ParryShen
Keep in mind he also blogs about his personal life (which COULD be a plus for his fans).
Off the top of my head, I can think of the 4 most memorable Asian women in the acting business and their portrayl: Lucy Liu as the Dominatrix Charlie's Angel, Kelly Hu as a sexier runoff of Lucy Liu in "The Scorpion King", Kristin Kreuk who is the "cute girl next door" type that many teenage boys fawn over, and Zhang Ziyi who is the adorable and chaste "China Doll" that men dream of.
I believe the media adores the Asian women, and love exploring the sexuality that parallels the outward polite, docile, and petite behavior.
Asian men, on the other hand, are at a disadvantage because they can't exactly break out in Hollywood as sex symbols. The "sexiest" the media portrays them is as "homosexuals/metrosexuals", and that in itself caused a certain magazine to issue a public apology.
Going along with the stereotypical "martial arts" Asian man (think Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and the more modern films), I believe that this stereotype will continue existing for a while, because the media continues to be fascinated by the Asian forms of martial arts. It is flattering, and it is a sign of respect. Tai Chi, Kung Fu, the art of meditation, and many other Asian meditation and martial art forms are placed in the "exotic" category and have become almost a fashion statement and status symbol. Isn't it "so Hollywood" to say, "I practced Tai Chi this morning with my boyfriend, and we snacked on sushi and green tea afterwards!" Read Vogue, W, and other fashion magazines; tell me if you agree with the media's fascination with the Asian culture.
Anonymousalthough i am glad that there are more asians on the bigscreen i dislike how they portray sterotypical asians... for instance in Harold and Kumar go to White Castle.. I was really upset that John Cho played that role because even though I found it funny, I didn't like how he was portraying asian people or Korean culture since his character was Korean.. How he didn't want the Korean girl that followed him around because she was into bible study. I don't remember the movie vividly but I do remember being apalled by John Cho's role in the movie... I thought it was kind of disgraceful.. But i guess asian actors have to start somewhere.. back in the days Blacks were given inferior roles as well being the bad cop or a janitor or something.. and I read somewhere that even today more light skinned blacks are given superior roles than darker skinned blacks... for example halle berry.. but back to asian actors.. yeah when BLT or better luck tomorrow was on the big screen i felt a need to support the movie because all the characters were asian and my friends and i thought that if enough people supported the film then maybe more asian films would be produced that didn't have to do with crouching tigers or hidden dragons or flying people who know martial arts. BLT was stereotypical but very funny and it was stereotypical in a good way i guess.. I know some asians did not like the movie but I enjoyed it.
AnonymousIt's true that many people are interested in the Asian culture since it seems so far away from here, physically as well. But with a growing Asian population in the US, it is only natural that people want to find out more about their culture. I have talked to many caucasian people, and they see Asians as exotic and exciting, because there's always a numerous amount of white people and a small fraction of Asians. Asians also have a culture that extends back to thousands of years, and like Amy said, people are also fascinated with the old rituals and herbal medicines.