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: 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.

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. Why I recommend: “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.

2019 2021

Synopsis: Billi and her family travel back to China to attend a fake wedding to stealthily say their final goodbyes to their beloved grandmother, Nai Nai. However, the only person who doesn’t know she has a couple of weeks left to live is Nai Nai.

Why I recommend: I loved this movie because it reminded me so much of my own Chinese family, especially with its constant smell of food and a grandmother who wants nothing more than to care for her grandchildren. “The Farewell” is an accurate representation of Asian family culture and is an intriguing film to watch. Synopsis: The Eternals are a group of immortal beings with superhuman powers who have secretly been living on Earth for the last 7,000 years. In the first film of this franchise, the Eternals reunite for the first time in decades to face their past and battle evil beings known as Deviants.

Why I recommend: “Eternals” was one of my favorite Marvel films from Phase Four, which includes those released from 20212023. I was so excited to see the diversity of the leading cast and the story did not disappoint. It kept me on my toes with its plot twists and the ending was a perfect setup for a sequel.