[M]AAPI Movie Recommendations Writing and Art by Soleil Dam May 1 marks the beginning of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. In recent years, the AAPI community has struggled to gain representation in the media, especially in movies. AAPI-produced movies often don’t get as much exposure or attention, so here are some film recommendations directed by and starring members of the AAPI community.
1993
1994
Synopsis:
In a movie adaptation of Amy Tan’s bestselling novel, four aging Chinese women have weekly meetings to play mahjong and trade traditional immigrant family stories. The film explores the strained relationships and the cultural conflict between a group of first-generation Chinese-American women and their mothers.
Synopsis:
Why I recommend:
Why I recommend:
“Joy Luck Club” is definitely one of my favorite movies. I loved the emphasis on relationships between Chinese mothers and daughters. It explored the families’ fascinating and emotional Chinese immigrant stories. It’s important to know where you come from and this film confirms just that.
Jade Li, an independent Chinese immigrant in her twenties, has a hard time trying to live her ideal life while also trying her best not to disappoint her traditional family. Jade struggles to get into a relationship until she meets a Caucasian graduate student who her parents completely disapprove of.
“Double Happiness” is an excellent film because it explores different perspectives on social pressures felt as a child of Chinese immigrants. The struggle of striving for your independence and not disappointing your family is difficult but I was happy to see Jade eventually find a healthy balance.
4 HIGHLANDER FUN
