Saving Face ***
I love Asian films. I am always amazed at how much alike our cultures are. Okay, yes that is a gross generalization, but I've seen enough films from China and Korea to have a sense that we are not all that far apart in our ideas and values. Now that I think about it, my house has as much stuff made in China as a gal from Beijing!So, this one is billed as a "Romantic comedy" but it is a story that pushes all the buttons of conservative Asian-American culture. Everybody knows a little too much of everyone elses business, and of course the pressure to get married and start making grand children creates distress for single career women. Wil (short for Wilamina) is a fast rising star studying to be a surgeon in Manhattan. She is obliged once a month to go to Flushing "to swim in the Chinese gene pool," and possibly meet Mr.Right. Her mother, grandparents, and their friends and neighbors attend these gatherings, hoping the young people will match up. This is a first feature for writer-director Alice Wu and she was able to keep me guessing about what would happen next. This is NOT predictable romantic comedy fare.
We enjoyed it for our Christmas afternoon entertainment. We wanted something upbeat and this was perfect. With the DVD there is a little extra commentary from the director and some insights about the Sundance film festival which made it seem more personal.
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